Card for interaction with a computer

ABSTRACT

A smart card comprising:
         a memory for storing information;   at least one transmitting or receiving antenna; and   a low frequency circuit, for handling information associated with said antenna and said memory, which information is modulated at a modulation frequency of between 5 kHz and 100 kHz. Preferably the antenna is an acoustic antenna.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/007,441 filed Jan. 10, 2008, which is a division of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/806,789 filed Jan. 22, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.7,334,735, which is a National Phase of PCT Patent Application No.PCT/IL99/00525 filed Oct. 4, 1999, which claims the benefit of priorityof U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/153,858 filed Sep. 14,1999, 60/145,342 filed Jul. 23, 1999, 60/143,220 filed Jul. 9, 1999,60/122,687 filed Mar. 3, 1999, and 60/115,231 filed Jan. 8, 1999, andwhich claims the benefit of Israel Patent Application Nos. 127569 filedDec. 14, 1998, 127072 filed Nov. 16, 1998, and 126444 filed Oct. 2,1998.

PCT Patent Application No. PCT/IL99/00525 is also a continuation-in-partof PCT Patent Application Nos. PCT/IL99/00521 filed Oct. 1, 1999,PCT/IL99/00506 filed Sep. 16, 1999, and PCT/IL99/00470 filed Aug. 27,1999. The disclosures of all of these applications are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to smart-cards for interactionwith a computer and especially to cards that use acoustic signals forsuch communications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computer network components that communicate using RF radiation, wiresor IR radiation are well known. Dedicated ultrasonic acoustic links areknown for various types of electronic devices. Typically, highfrequencies are used, to increase bandwidth and reduce noise.

However, such dedicated communication mechanisms require that thecomputer network components have installed thereon specializedcommunication hardware. Installing such hardware on an existing computermay be expensive and/or problematic. Further, some electronic and/orcomputer embedded devices, for example cellular telephones may be“sealed” products, to which it is impossible to add internal components.

PCT publications WO96/10880, WO94/17498, WO93/21720 and WO93/11619, thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference describe anelectronic device which transmits coded information to a microphone of atelephone using a DTMF-like encoding scheme. A WWW page addressed“http://www.encotone.com/html/tech_def.html”, available Feb. 1, 1999,but possibly published prior to that date, suggests using such a deviceto transmit audible DTMF-like tones to a personal computer using thecomputer's sound card.

Two way communications using audible DTMF-like tones, between asmart-card and a telephone communication system is described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,583,933, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein byreference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of some preferred embodiments of the invention is to simplifyinteraction between a smart-card and a computer or other electronicdevices by removing a common requirement of installing dedicatedcommunication hardware on the computer. The removal of the need forinstalling new hardware is especially useful for electronic wallets andInternet commerce, where the cost of installing dedicated hardware mayprevent wide acceptance of these commercial methods. Additionally, usinga smart-card can provide methods of solving the security andaccountability issues entailed in electronic commerce.

Some suitable electronic devices with which a smart-card can usefullycommunicate include: computers, televisions, watches, PDAs, organizers,electronic toys, electronic games, voice-responsive appliances, wirelesscommunication devices, answering machines and desktop telephones. Asused herein the term “electronic device” is used to encompass a broadrange of electronics-including devices. In some of the embodimentsdescribed below, a particular type of electronic device is singled out,for example a computer, as some of the below-described embodiments aremore useful for some types of electronic devices, than for other typesof electronic devices. However, such examples are not meant to limit thescope of the invention. Although embodiments, in which no modificationof the electronic devices is needed, are especially preferred, inparticular acoustic based embodiments, some features of the inventionmay be usefully applied using standard types of smart-cards, such as RFcards.

An object of some preferred embodiments of the invention is allowing asmart-card to communicate with an electronic device using an inputand/or output channel, preferably an acoustic channel, but possibly avisual channel, which was designed for communication with human usersand not for communication with electronic devices. In other cases, thecommunication channel is not originally intended for communication withoutside components at all, for example, a diskette drive or usingleakage RF generated (or picked up) by the computer or peripheralsthereof. In some embodiments, the smart-card communicates with computerperipherals, either directly or using a computer, for at least onedirection of communication.

It should be appreciated that in some embodiments of the invention thesound communication is directed at the device for its use, controland/or processing and is not meant for mere passing through the device.For example, a telephone may interpret signals from a smart-card, ratherthan transmitting them on through the telephone network, as in the priorart. However, in other embodiments the sound communication isalternatively or additionally passed through the device to a remotesecond device.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to asmart-card suitable for communicating with a computer using a sound cardinstalled on the computer. In some computer configurations theinstallation is permanent, for example as part of the motherboardchip-set. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a smart-cardtransmits information to the sound card's microphone and receivesinformation form the computer using the sound card's loudspeaker.Preferably, the transmission uses non-audible acoustic frequencies, forexample ultrasonic or infrasonic frequencies. Such a card preferablyincludes a speaker and driving circuitry suitable for generatinglow-frequency ultrasound. It should be noted that standard music cardsare designed for music generation, however, they have a limitedreception and transmission ability in the near-ultrasonic (e.g., between17 kHz and 50 kHz) and infrasonic (e.g., 0.01 Hz to 20 Hz) frequencyranges. The definition of audible frequencies will usually depend on theuser and this, may, in some embodiments, impact on the selection offrequencies for use. Possibly, a personalization software for selectingthe frequencies will be provided. Also, in some applications, the higherend of the audible range may be used, for example 14 kHz-17 kHz, as thesensitivity to these frequencies is quite low, even in those individualsthat can detect them. In general, the sensitivity to higher frequenciesis reduced as a function of age. It is expected that many users of smartcards are mature adults or teenagers, with significant loss of hearingat very high frequencies. As used herein, audible frequencies refers tothe range 20 Hz-17 kHz.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates toproviding a memory on an acoustic smart-card for storing variousinformation, including, biometrics information, personal identificationinformation, passwords and/or e-commerce related information. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, this information is transmittedto a computer during an Internet connection and/or to assist inlogging-on.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to theprovision of software on a computer in communication with a smart-card,which software can serve for one or more of modifying the presentationof information on the computer, downloading information from thesmart-card, interacting with the smart-card and inserting informationform the smart-card into fields of a displayed WWW page. In somepreferred embodiments of the invention this software is downloaded witha displayed WWW page. Optionally, the software on the local computerwith which the smart-card is in direct communication, pipes through theinput from the card, possibly as sound files to a remote computer, whichprocesses the input.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates toproviding a smart-card with a text-to-speech capability. Preferably,this capability is used to provide feedback to a user on the cardstatus. Alternatively or additionally, this capability is used to allowthe smart-card to operate as an interface with an electronic devicewhich cannot generate speech. Alternatively or additionally, thiscapability is used for displaying information to a user, such asreminders.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates toproviding a smart-card having a biometric capability. This capabilitymay include acquisition and/or processing of biometric data, such asspeech, handwriting and gestures. In an exemplary embodiment, motion ofthe card relative to a computer can be detected. Alternatively oradditionally, writing on the card can be recognized. Alternatively oradditionally, the card includes a speech input. Preferably the cardincludes biometric information to match against the biometric acquireddata, however, the matching may be performed on or off of the card.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to asmart-card and card-holder combination in which some of the processingacquisition and/or power circuitry used by the card are mounted on theholder rather than on the card. Alternatively, the transmission rangeand/or other capabilities of the card are extended when the card is inthe holder. Possibly, the holder includes a circuit for charging thesmart-card or a wide angle antenna.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates toproviding additional, non-smart-card functionally with a smart-card. Inone example the additional functionality comprises a pagerfunctionality. Alternatively or additionally, the functionalitycomprises a short-range telephone head set functionality. Alternativelyor additionally, the functionality comprises a help-file presentationfunctionality. Alternatively or additionally, an acoustic smart-cardfunctions as a security badge, for example for logging on.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to asmart-card for authenticating presented information. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, the card reads a digital signature part ofinformation presented by a different media and verifies the presentedinformation. Alternatively or additionally, the card displays orvocalizes important elements of the displayed information or a deal inprogress, for example, the amounts, the description of the goods and/orthe vendor, e.g., for ease of verification or confirmation.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relate to acolor coded smart-card (or other types of identification card orelectronic device in danger of theft). In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the color and/or pattern on the card changes by itself aftera time and/or if a certain signal is not received on time. Alternativelyor additionally, when such a device is listed as stolen, the next timeit is used, the color is changed, possibly at a delay, so that the thiefcan be apprehended with a device which is marked as stolen.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates toinactivating a stolen electronic device. In a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the electronic device interrogates an acoustictransponder using the device's built-in speaker and/or microphone. Ifthe transponder does not respond (e.g., the device was stolen andseparated from the transponder) or returns a bad response (such ashaving expired), the device does not work. If possible, the devicetransmits a message to an enforcement authority or to the owner, forexample by computer network (e.g., for a laptop computer) or by wirelesscommunication (e.g., for a cellular telephone). A particular type ofstolen property is copyrighted software, which can be programmed to havethe computer on which it is executing acoustically interrogate a nearbytransponder, e.g., one attached to a case of the software and/or thecomputer. An illegal copy of the software will have no availabletransponder to respond to an interrogation, thereby identifying itselfas stolen. Optionally, the program then communicates with the copyrightowner. A similar scheme can be used to protect multimedia, such as MP3music and video, which a certain device will not play unless a card ispresent. This card may also be used for billing purposes.

An aspect of some embodiments of the present invention relates to amethod of deactivating a stolen or misused smart-card. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, when a card transmits an incorrectauthentication code, if the card is reported stolen and/or due tofailure of biometric or password based recognition, a computer withwhich the card is in communication preferably gives the card a commandto erase portions of the card's memory and/or deactivate the card. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, a deactivate command isauthenticated, encrypted and/or signed, to identify the originator.Alternatively or additionally, a copy of the command is stored on thecard, for later analysis. It should be noted that by using acousticcommunication, many available computers can communicate with the card.Any of these computers may command the card to deactivate, even if thecard is not in human-initiated communication with it. These availablecomputers may be connected by a network and share a database of cards tobe deactivated. Alternatively or additionally, a card may be deactivatedwhen it expires, for example after a time, after a certain number oftransactions and/or after a certain amount of money passes through it,thus a stolen card will deactivate after a while unless the user“recharges” it.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates toauthorization and authentication over an Internet or other type ofcommunication network, using sound. Preferably, the normal communicationpathway is not changed, except that the two ends of the pathway mayrequire possibly hardware or software for manipulating sound signals. Inone example, a smart-card transmits an encoded acoustic signal to acomputer. That signal is transmitted over the Internet (before decoding)to a remote server computer, to serve as authorization for debiting anaccount. In another example, in which information is transmitted in theopposite direction, a coded signal may be provided from a toy programdepository, to be downloaded using acoustic waves to a toy that is nearthe computer. Such a coded signal may also be used to downloadinformation to a smart-card. Preferably the sound files are signedand/or encrypted, to prevent misuse.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates totransmission of power to a smart-card. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the power is transmitted acoustically. Alternatively oradditionally, the power is transmitted using light, preferably lightcoded with information. Preferably, the received power is stored, to beused for transmission and/or processing. In a preferred embodiment ofthe invention, the power is stored for short periods of time, forexample several seconds. Alternatively, at least some of the power isstored for longer periods of time, for example minutes or hours. In apreferred embodiment of the invention when the power is transmittedusing an acoustic wave, preferably an ultrasonic wave is used, possiblythe same wave as is used for communication. Generally however, the powerwave is transmitted for a considerably longer duration than aninformation bearing wave. Additionally or alternatively, power istransmitted using optical energy which is received by photoelectriccells on the smart-card. In one example, a smart-card is placed near adisplay to receive energy from the display. Possibly, the energy ismodulated, spatially or temporally, to transmit information to thesmart-card, in addition to transmitting power. Alternatively oradditionally, the card may receive (and store) power radiated by thescreen control circuitry as electromagnetic signals.

An aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates tosmart-card construction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, theentire card is formed of a piezoelectric material and the frequenciestransmitted and/or received by the smart-card are a function of theacoustic characteristics of the card. Additionally or alternatively,only a portion of the card is electrified for transmission and/orreception, for example, only a portion underlying a magnetic strip or apasted image, is electrified. Additionally or alternatively, only aportion of the card possess a required piezoelectric effect, for exampleas a result of selective polarization during manufacture. In embodimentswhere different transducers are used for transmission and reception,different areas may be electrified for each use.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a smart card comprising:

a memory for storing information;

at least one transmitting or receiving antenna; and

a low frequency circuit, for handling information associated with saidantenna and said memory, which information is modulated at a modulationfrequency of between 5 kHz and 100 kHz.

Preferably, said at least one antenna comprises an individualtransmission antenna. Alternatively or additionally, said at least oneantenna comprises an individual reception antenna. Alternatively, saidat least one antenna comprises a combined antenna for both reception andtransmission.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one antennacomprises an array antenna. Alternatively or additionally, said at leastone antenna comprises an acoustic antenna. Alternatively oradditionally, said at least one antenna comprises an RF antenna.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said card comprises aprocessor for processing said information. Preferably, said processorgenerates a response to an interrogation of said smart card.Alternatively or additionally, said memory comprises a long-term memory.Alternatively or additionally, said memory comprises a temporary memoryfor said processor.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said modulation frequency isless than 80 kHz. Alternatively, said modulation frequency is less than60 kHz. Alternatively, said modulation frequency is less than 50 kHz.Alternatively, said modulation frequency is less than 40 kHz.Alternatively, said modulation frequency is less than 30 kHz.Alternatively, said modulation frequency is less than 25 kHz.Alternatively, said modulation frequency is less than 21 kHz.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said modulation frequency isover 10 kHz. Alternatively, said modulation frequency is over 14 kHz.Alternatively, said modulation frequency is over 16 kHz. Alternatively,said modulation frequency is over 17 kHz.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said at least one antennacomprises a piezoelectric antenna.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the card comprises ahigh-frequency circuit for modulating information at higher than 200kHz. Alternatively, the card comprises a high-frequency circuit formodulating information at higher than 1 MHz. Preferably, said highfrequency modulated information is transmitted using an RF circuit.Alternatively or additionally, said high frequency modulated informationis received using an RF circuit.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said smart card implements atwo-way communication protocol. Alternatively or additionally, saidprotocol comprises an error correction protocol.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a method of interfacing a smart-card and an electronicdevice, comprising:

providing a smart card;

providing an electronic device including at least one standardcomponent, which component is not designed for digital communication;and

driving said standard component to transmit or receive a digitallyencoded signal between said electronic device and said smart card.Preferably, said standard component comprises a speaker. Alternativelyor additionally, said signal comprises a low frequency RF signal.Alternatively or additionally, said signal comprises a low frequencyultrasonic signal.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said electronic devicecomprises a computer. Alternatively or additionally, said computerforwards said signal to a computer peripheral coupled to said computer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said smart card and saidcomputer have a two-way digital link. Alternatively, said smart card andsaid computer have a one-way link.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a smart-card interfacing system, comprising:

a personal computer, comprising a memory and a sound system;

an acoustic smart card; and

an interaction software in said memory which drives said personalcomputer to communicate with said smart card at a frequency higher than10 kHz. Preferably, said communication is one-way. Alternatively, saidcommunication is two-way.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the system comprises aconnection to the Internet. Preferably, said computer comprises anetwork software for downloading said interaction software from saidInternet.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said interaction softwareretrieves information from said smart card and inserts said informationin at least one field of a WWW form displayed on said computer.Alternatively or additionally, said interaction software retrievesinformation form said smart card and controls a browser on said computerto show a particular WWW page responsive to said information.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a smart card comprising:

a memory;

a text-to speech converter, for converting text from said memory intospeech sounds; and

an external communication link for communicating information to or fromsaid memory. Preferably, the smart card meets EMV form standards.Alternatively or additionally, said communication link comprises anacoustic communication link and wherein said speech sounds are outputtedusing said acoustic link. Alternatively or additionally, the smart cardcomprises circuitry for receiving indications over said link andconverting said indications into text. Alternatively or additionally,the smart card comprises a speech recognition circuit, for enteringinformation into said smart card.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a smart card comprising:

a memory;

a speech input circuit, for entering information into said memory; and

an external communication link for communicating information to or fromsaid memory. Preferably, said communication link comprises an acousticcommunication link and wherein said speech sounds are inputted usingsaid acoustic link.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a smart card comprising:

a memory;

an external communication link for communicating information to or fromsaid memory; and

a biometric data acquisition circuit, for acquiring biometric data,wherein said circuit shares an input transducer with said communicationlink. Preferably, said communication link comprises an acousticcommunication link. Alternatively or additionally, said biometric dataacquisition circuit comprises a voice input circuit. Alternatively oradditionally, said biometric data acquisition circuit comprises a motiondetermination circuit. Preferably, said biometric data comprises motionof the smart card in the form of a gesture. Alternatively oradditionally, said biometric data comprises motion of the smart card inthe form of handwriting.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the smart card comprises aprocessor for evaluating said biometric data against a sample ofbiometric data. Preferably, said biometric data is stored in saidmemory. Alternatively or additionally, said acquired biometric data isstored in said memory.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a method of biometric authentication, comprising:

moving a smart card by a person;

detecting said motion using at least a circuit on said card; and

analyzing said motion to obtain a biometric signature of said person.Preferably, detecting said motion comprises:

detecting said motion using an inertial motion detector in said card.Alternatively or additionally, detecting said motion comprises:

detecting said motion using an acoustic distance measurement, whichmeasurement uses an acoustic transponder of said card.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said motion comprises awriting motion.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a smart card comprising:

an array of pressure detectors for determining spatial positions ofpressure changes on said array;

a memory; and

an external communication link for transmitting information from saidcard responsive to information in said memory and said detected pressurechanges. Preferably, said array detector comprises a SAW detector.Alternatively, said array detector comprises an array of individuallyelectrified piezoelectric elements.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a method of powering a smart card, comprising:

transmitting ultrasonic waves to a smart card;

receiving said waves by the smart card;

converting said waves by said smart card into energy; and

utilizing said energy by said smart card, for powering processing ofdata. Preferably, said waves encode said data. Alternatively oradditionally, transmitting comprises transmitting from a computerspeaker.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a method of powering a smart card, comprising:

transmitting light waves to a smart card;

receiving said waves by the smart card;

converting said waves by said smart card into energy; and

utilizing said energy by said smart card, for powering the processing ofdata,

wherein said waves encode said data. Preferably, the method comprisestransmitting a result of said processing from said card using anultrasonic link on said smart card. Alternatively or additionally, themethod comprises transmitting a result of said processing from said cardusing an IR link on said smart card.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said transmitting is timedto synchronize with said processing. Alternatively or additionally, saidtransmitting is not synchronized with said processing.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a method of interaction between a card and a computer,comprising:

inserting said card into a drive for removable media other than saidcard of said computer; and

transmitting information between said card and said drive. Preferably,said drive comprises a diskette drive. Alternatively or additionally,said drive comprises an optical disk drive.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method comprisestransmitting power from said computer to said smart card using a saiddrive.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a method of charging a smart card, comprising:

receiving by said smart card of ambient RF radiation;

converting said received radiation into stored energy; and

storing said energy by said smart card for later powering the operationof said smart card. Preferably, said ambient radiation comprisesnormally emitted radiation from a cellular telephone.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a smart card comprising:

an inertial power source;

a memory; and

an external communication link powered by said inertial source totransmit or receive information for said memory. Preferably, theinternal power source comprises a storage battery which is recharged bysaid inertial power source.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a smart card comprising:

a mechanical force transducer power source;

a memory; and

an external communication link powered by said power source to transmitor receive information for said memory. Preferably, the internal powersource comprises a storage battery which is recharged by said powersource. Alternatively or additionally, said mechanical force transducerconverts flexing of said card into electrical energy. Alternatively oradditionally, said mechanical force transducer converts friction againstsaid card into electrical energy.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, an optical smart card having a form of a rectangular creditcard and comprising:

an optical data input circuit;

a wireless output link; and

a memory for storing information from said input and outputting via saidoutput link. Preferably, said optical input is a scalar input.Alternatively, said optical input is a one-dimensional input.Alternatively, said optical input is a two-dimensional input.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the card comprises anoptical power input circuit, which converts ambient light into storedenergy. Preferably, said optical power input and said optical data inputshare a common optical sensor.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said output link comprisesan acoustic link. Alternatively or additionally, said output linkcomprises an IR link. Alternatively or additionally, said output linkcomprises an RF link.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a two part smart card, comprising:

a first separable part including at least a memory portion of the smartcard; and

a second separable part comprising at least a holding element forholding said first part and an electronic circuit associated with anoperation of said first part. Preferably, said electronic circuitcomprises a power source. Preferably, said power source comprises areceiver for transmitted power. Alternatively or additionally, saidpower source comprises a battery.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said electronic circuitcomprises an amplifier. Alternatively or additionally, said electroniccircuit comprises an antenna.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said first part is anindependently operable smart card. Alternatively, said first partrequires said electrical circuit to operate.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a smart card comprising:

a medium range communication link having a range of over 0.5 meters andsuitable for communication with a computer;

a speaker; and

circuitry for presenting information from said link over said speaker asspeech. Preferably, the smart card comprises pager circuitry.Alternatively or additionally, the smart card comprises telephonehandset circuitry. Alternatively or additionally, the smart cardcomprises acoustic help-file viewing circuitry.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said link comprises anacoustic link. Preferably, said speaker forms a part of said acousticlink. Alternatively or additionally, said acoustic link is operative touse office equipment as a base station from receiving said information.Preferably, said office equipment comprises computers with sound systemsdesigned for music. Alternatively or additionally, said office equipmentcomprises telephone and wherein said card communicates using a speakerof said telephones.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a device for extracting digitally signed information,comprising:

an input for receiving digitally signed information presented visuallyor acoustically by a computer separate from said device;

a processor that is part of said device for verifying said informationusing said signature; and

a display on the device for presenting an indication responsive to saidverification. Preferably, said input comprises at least one photocelladapted for reading off the computer's screen. Alternatively oradditionally, said input comprises an electromagnetic coupler forreading signals passing on a display cable of the computer.Alternatively or additionally, said input comprises a pass-through plugfor reading signals passing on a display cable of the computer.Alternatively or additionally, said input comprises at least onemicrophone adapted for receiving an acoustic signal from a computer.Alternatively or additionally, said device display comprises an acousticdisplay. Alternatively or additionally, said device display comprises avisual display. Alternatively or additionally, said displayed indicationcomprises a verification of the authenticity of the information.Alternatively or additionally, said displayed indication comprises atleast portion of said information.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said device has arectangular form of a credit card.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a smart card comprising:

a communication link with a computer;

an authentication circuit for authenticating a transaction; and

a display that displays pertinent information regarding the transaction,retrieved via said link from said computer, prior to authentication ofsaid transaction by the smart card. Preferably, said display comprises avisual display. Alternatively or additionally, said display comprises anacoustic display. Alternatively or additionally, said pertinentinformation comprises an identification of a vendor with whom thetransaction is being made. Alternatively or additionally, said pertinentinformation comprises an identification of goods being the subject ofthe transaction. Alternatively or additionally, the smart card comprisesa memory for storing a record of acceptance of said transaction by auser of said smart card.

There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a pattern changing smart card, comprising:

a memory;

a communication link for transmitting or receiving information from saidmemory; and

a controllable pattern display having at least two states, a first stateindicating that the smart card is valid and a second state indicatingthe smart card is invalid, wherein at least said second state does notdraw current. Preferably, said pattern display changes to said secondstate over time unless otherwise activated. Alternatively oradditionally, the card comprises circuitry for switching states of saidpattern display to said second state. Alternatively or additionally,said circuitry comprises a delay circuit for delaying said changing fora period of time. Alternatively or additionally, the smart cardcomprises circuitry for receiving a command over said link to switchstates. Preferably, said command is verified using a digital signing orencryption.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said invalid-indicatingpattern in said second state is perceptible by a human viewer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more clearly understood with reference to thefollowing detailed descriptions of non-limiting preferred embodiments ofthe invention in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a smart-card and a computer whichare operative to communicate using sound waves, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a smart-card communicating with anelectronic device, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of a smart-card communicating with acomputer, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of a smart-card, showing powerdistribution, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIGS. 3C-3E are schematic illustrations of smart-card construction inaccordance with preferred embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3F is a schematic illustration of a smart-card holder in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of an Internet transmission pathwayfor sounds, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4B is a schematic illustration of usage of a smart-card in arestaurant setting, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a method of tapping into acomputer, without requiring complicated installation of hardware, inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an unobtrusive computer checkup inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Acoustic-Based Smart-Card

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a computer 20 and a smart-card 30,which are operative to communicate using sound waves, in accordance witha preferred embodiment of the invention. Most computers currently onsale include a sound system 24, usually a sound card, connected to atleast one microphone 26 and at least one speaker 28. A smart-card inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention includesacoustic transduction elements, such as a microphone 34 and a speaker36, which serve as acoustic antennae. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, computer 20 and electronic device 30 communicate using thesestandard computer components of computer 20, which are usually notdesigned for computer communication but for human communication. In somecases, the smart-card (or the computer) may include a jack (or otherconnector) to which one or more speakers and one or more microphones maybe connected. Preferably, such connected acoustic elements arepositioned on a difficult to obstruct portion of the computer 20 and/orsmart card 30, preferably at positions where they have a wide field ofview.

Many computers are sold with a Sound-Blaster compatible sound subsystem,stereo speakers and a microphone. Some computers are provided with othertypes of sound systems, which types also support the application ofpreferred embodiments of the invention, possibly with a variation infrequencies to account for different circuit or samplingcharacteristics. Typically, this sound system is designed for generatingmusic and other audible sounds. In addition, many computers include aninternal speaker and a modem speaker. Some computers use USB speakerswhich are connected directly to the USB (Universal Serial Bus).

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a standard sound card,such as the popular “Sound-Blaster” is used to generate sonic and/orultrasonic signals to (and to alternatively or additionally receive themfrom) a smart-card. The acoustic signal may be audible (in someapplications) or inaudible (more preferable), for example having mainlyultrasonic or infrasonic frequencies. Preferably, frequencies of about22 kHz and 24 kHz and 32 kHz are used, since a standard sound cardprovides these sampling rates (and/or their multiples, e.g., 44 kHz and48 kHz). Alternatively, lower frequencies, such as between 17 kHz and 21kHz may be used. As used herein the term “main frequency” is used todescribe the frequency band in which most of the energy of theinformation carrying signal is concentrated. In some cases, theinformation carrying portion of the signal is not at the main frequencygenerated by the card, for example when an ultrasonic signal is overlaidon a different audible sound.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, a sound card is adaptedto work in the near ultrasonic range, for example by increasing itssampling frequency. Generally, the microphone and loudspeaker used for acomputer system can support low frequency ultrasound with sufficientfidelity without adaptation. However, in some embodiments of theinvention, a special ultrasound-sensitive microphone orultrasound-effective speaker may be used. In other cases, thesensitivity of a particular microphone and/or loudspeaker maybedetermined by the user prior to or during communication with asmart-card. In one example, if a smart-card having known characteristicstransmits a uniform or calibrated signal at several frequencies, thefrequency sensitivity (and/or directional sensitively) of a microphonemay be determined. In a similar manner, a computer may generate thesesounds and the signals detected by the smart-card are analyzed todetermine output characteristics of the particular loudspeaker used. Inaddition, a self-calibration procedure may be performed by listening tothe computer's output using the computer's microphone. In some cases,both the smart-card and the computer sound systems can be calibrated bycombining self testing and cross-testing.

Low Frequency RF Detection

In some cases, the microphone and/or the sound card are sensitive enoughto receive, from the smart-card, an RF signal associated with generatingthe acoustic signals, even if an acoustic signal is not sent (e.g., noloudspeaker is present). In some cases, only an RF signal is generated.Alternatively or additionally, the object may detect RF signalsgenerated by the speaker or sound card while generating the ultrasound.These RF signals are generally less affected by lack of line of sightthan ultrasonic signals. In an exemplary embodiment, a device forcommunication with a telephone handset (or other devices where thespeaker and microphone are displaced), can be made small, by allowingthe detection of sounds from the telephone to be emulated by thedetection of RF fields from the telephone speaker. Thus, a smart-cardcan be made small and placed against the telephone microphone and stillreceive signals from the telephone loudspeaker. Alternatively oradditionally, the device may transmit RF fields to generate electricalsignals at the telephone microphone. These transmitted and receivedsignals may be ultrasonic or they may be sonic, for example DTMF orDTMF-like signals as known in the art.

Communication with a Non-Computer Device

Some embodiments of the invention do not require that the smart-cardcommunicate with a computer. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of asmart-card 30 communicating directly or indirectly with an electronicdevice 30′. In one example, a smart-card communicates directly with acomputer peripheral, such as a printer. In another example, thecommunication is via a computer, for example to utilize a modem, astorage device or a microphone-less printer, any of which may beinterface with a computer as known in the art. Possibly, suchcommunication is used to exchange data files and/or to sharecapabilities, such as modem connections, or to print or backupinformation using a standard desktop computer. In another example, asmart-card communicates with an organizer, either to update it or toretrieve information from it.

In some cases a port adapter may be required to be plugged into a portof the computer or other electronic device, for example asonic-to-parallel adapter, which converts between acoustic signals andparallel port signals. As low ultrasonic frequencies are used in thistype of smart-card, the port adapter can be made relatively simple.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a standard communicationprotocol/language is defined, so that many types of devices cancommunicate and/or share resources using the standard language.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, smart-card 30communicates with a set-top box, such as used for some types of cableTV. Preferably, a microphone is connected to the set-top box.Alternatively or additionally, the transmission to the set-top box usesan IR signal, which is detectable by the set-top box. In one example,the set-top box includes software that analyzes responses of thesmart-card. Alternatively or additionally, the set-top box adds sounds(or ultrasonic waves) to a video and/or audio stream decompressed by theset-top box. Alternatively or additionally, the set-top box addstemporal and/or spatial optical modulations to a video stream, for anoptically-sensitive smart-card, for example as described below.

Smart-Card Construction

FIG. 3A is a schematic illustration of a smart-card 40 that communicateswith a computer 20. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,smart-card 40 comprises an acoustic receiving and/or transmittingelement 42, a processor 44 that controls the acoustic element and amemory 46 for storing information. Such a smart-card may use a singlepiezoelectric transducer (possibly a film layer) for both acoustictransmission and reception, however, separate elements may also be usedfor element 42. Alternatively to a piezoelectric element, other acousticsignal detectors may be used, for example piezoresistive sensors,MEMS-based sensors, fiber-optic based acoustic detectors and smallmicrophones. Processor 44 may include, in some embodiments of theinvention, driving circuitry, clock circuitry, amplification bufferingcircuitry and/or other types of necessary circuitry, as well as signaland data processing circuitry. However, in some embodiments a singleintegrated circuit (shelf or ASIC) can perform some or all of thesecircuitry functions, so that the single generic term “processor” is usedin the general description. Although the use of single integratedcircuits is preferred, other types of circuitry, such as sets ofintegrated circuits or surface mounted elements may be usedalternatively or additionally. While preferred embodiments of smartcards use a processor, more limited smart cards may have only simplelogic circuitry, such as for retrieving information from the memory orupdating counters.

Signals from the acoustic element are preferably digitized by an A/D onprocessor 44 or a separate A/D component. Output signals from processor44 may be amplified with a nonlinear amplification circuit, however alinear amplifier may also be used in some embodiments. In someembodiments described below, processor 44 may include a text-to-speechor speech-to-text component 37.

Shielding

In some embodiments, the acoustic elements are shielded from strayelectro-magnetic fields. In other embodiments, the elements are designedto act also as antenna for electromagnetic fields and as such, they maynot be shielded.

Low Frequency RF Detection

A different method of receiving by the card is using an electromagneticreceiving antenna. The inventors have determined that a PC speaker andother sound generating equipment, when transmitting sound, also transmitelectro-magnetic signals that can be received on the card using anantenna. Possibly, a same antenna can be used both for acoustic and RFreception, for example a piezoelectric crystal or a fiber-optic sensor.

In some applications, an advantage of detecting RF is that echoes andother noise sources are reduced in amplitude. Thus, a card cancommunicate with a standard telephone headset (or other devices wherethe speaker and microphone are displaced), the card communicatingacoustically with one of the speaker and microphone and using RF forcommunication with the other one of the speaker and microphone.

Hybrid Card

It should be noted that although acoustic communication is preferred forat least one communication direction (computer to smart-card orsmart-card computer) one or both of the communication directions mayutilize other technologies, temporarily or on a permanent basis. Forexample, the card may use the IRDA-IR communications standard or theBluetooth-RF communications standard. Alternatively or additionally, thecard may connect directly or indirectly (via a suitable cable) tocomputer port. Such a suitable cable may include a contact-lesstransducer (e.g., ultrasound or RF) at one end thereof, to facilitatecommunication with the smart-card, without requiring a physicalconnection.

Power Transmission

FIG. 3B is a schematic illustration of smart-card 40, showing powerdistribution, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention. A smart-card in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention may be passively powered, in that the energy for powering thesmart-card is transmitted with the data signal to be processed and/orresponded to by the smart card. Alternatively, the smart-card mayrequire some type of internal power source. In this respect it should benoted that some smart-cards can remain off, or at least in a powersaving mode, most of the time. Logic for entering and exiting powersaving modes and listening modes for communication devices are wellknown in the art of cellular telephones and may be implemented insmart-cards of the present invention. An example of such a logic is aperiodic wake-up call or listening-in or a low quality analysis ofambient sounds to determine if a higher quality (and power consuming)analysis is required. In addition, the removal of a smart-card from astorage container, for use, may be detected, for example by theimpingement of light on the card, increase in ambient sound levels or bypressure of the card user on the card, and this detection may be used towake-up the card.

Also, some embodiments of the invention use low power signals forcommunication and/or processing. In some embodiments of the invention,most of the processing is on an associated computer or card holder andnot on the card, further reducing the power needs of the card. Also, itshould be noted that the card is typically near a power source, such asa computer, when the card is in use, so ready power is typicallyavailable.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the smart-card includesa battery 38, for example a lithium ion battery, for providing power totransmit, receive and/or process acoustic signals. Preferably, thebattery is rechargeable. Alternatively, when the battery is depleted,the smart-card may be discarded, with the stored information beingtransferred to a second smart-card. Intentionally depleting the batteryby remote command is one method of forcing the user to communicate withthe card provider and/or deactivate a stolen card. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, before all the power is dissipated awarning is sounded and/or otherwise displayed to the user, so that hehas advance notice to recharge or replace the card. Possibly, adischarged card can be used if inserted into a suitable contact reader,which supplies power to the card.

In some embodiments of the invention, power is provided from outside thecard, for example by contact, or, more preferably, by wireless means. Ina preferred embodiment of the invention, power provided by a power input47 is accumulated or otherwise buffered in a temporary store 39, beforebeing used to recharge battery 38 (if any) and/or power processor 44and/or other components of smart-card 40. Wireless data input isdesignated by a separate reference 49, however, in some embodiments, asame element is used both for power and for data transmission. In someembodiments, more than one data input 49 may be provided. In someembodiments of the invention, several different modalities of data inputare provided on a single smart-card.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, smart-card 40 islight-powered, for example solar powered or powered using room lighting.Additionally or alternatively, the smart-card includes a battery whichis charged by optical wavelength energy, for example using aphotoelectric cell on the smart-card. Preferably, this type of poweringis used in conjunction with acoustic transmission from the card.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a card of this type isrecharged or powered by placing a photo-cell thereof against a computerscreen or a TV screen that is lit up. Alternatively or additionally topower transmission, the illumination of the screen is modified,spatially and/or temporally, to transmit information to the card. Themodification of the illumination may be, for example by a computer or bya set-top box which control the screen. Transmission of information backto the computer and/or set-top box may be achieved using other methodsdescribed in this application, for example acoustic communication. Thephotocell may be a scalar cell, a vector of cells or a two dimensionalarray. As indicated above, a single cell may be used both for powerreception and for data transmission and/or reception. Alternatively,separate cells or separate circuits connected to the cells are used forpower and data. In an exemplary application, a DC portion of the signalfrom the photocell is utilized for power transfer and a variable portionfor data transmission. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, thephoto-cell or, in some cases a cell-array, is used to read visualinformation such as text or a bar code. Such information may be readusing ambient light or using a LED on the card. The read information maybe stored and/or transmitted on to a remote computer or other device.

Additionally or alternatively, power to activate the smart-card and/orto recharge its power cell may be provided from ambient RF ornon-optical EM fields, such as those generated by florescent bulbs,computers, computer peripherals, computer speakers and cellular andwireless telephones. These sources of ambient RF fields may becontrolled to provide power when needed by the smart-card, for examplewhen in communication with the computer. Possibly, these sources areactivated manually, however, in some embodiments, the deviceautomatically receives an indication of the energy need of thesmart-card and transmits energy. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a casing for such a source includes a holder for asmart-card, so that the card is near the energy source. An exemplaryembodiment is a cellular-telephone holder which includes a slot for asmart-card, so the card can receive power from the telephone.

Alternatively or additionally, power to the smart-card may be providedas an ultrasonic wave, possibly, but not necessarily, the same wave usedto transmit information to the card. Optionally, reception of data andof power use a single acoustic receiving element, such as element 42shown in FIG. 3A. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, atleast part of the same circuit is also used to transmit signals from thecard. Although the power levels are generally low, the duration oftransmission of power can be made relatively longer (minutes, hours)than the duration of the power usage (micro seconds, milliseconds).

Additionally or alternatively, the card may be recharged by plugging itinto a PC-card slot, a USB plug or a different, suitably-sized,communication port. Optionally, once the card is plugged-in it transmitsinformation using the communications port. The card preferably includesa plurality of electrical contacts at one of its ends and/or aconnector-sized end. In one embodiment, the card includes an extendingmale or female socket which can be directly plugged into a port orpossibly individual lines of a port, on an operating electronic device.The smart-card may generate a signal if the socket is attached to a linewhich provides sufficient energy for charging (and/or if it does notprovide sufficient energy). Alternatively or additionally, the card maybe plugged directly into a power outlet or coupled to a large externalbattery, for charging purposes. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the card includes circuitry to automatically adapt to thetype, polarity and/or amplitude of power source to which the card iscoupled.

Additionally or alternatively, the card may be inserted into a CD-ROMdrive or a diskette drive and obtain power from the motion of a headand/or a spinner motor. Possibly, the energy is transferred to the cardby friction heating of the card (or a particular section 47 thereof) orby causing a vibration or other electrical-generating distortion of apiezoelectric portion of the card. Alternatively, the field generated bythe motor of the drive is received by the card. Additionally oralternatively, the power is obtained from the read/write energies(laser, magnetic) used by the drive.

Additionally or alternatively, the card may be powered or recharged byinertial power, for example from movements of a person carrying thecard, i.e., with power input 47 being fed by an internal component ofthe smart-card rather than by wireless feed. Various types of inertialpower sources are known in the art, especially for watches. Additionallyor alternatively, the card may include a piezoelectric power converter,possibly utilizing a same piezoelectric element as used forcommunication (acoustic or contact), to convert flexing of the card orvarying pressure on the card (typically inadvertent pressure) intoelectrical energy. Possibly, the card can be energized from ambientvibrations, such as those caused by a computer, when the card is placedon the computer. Alternatively or additionally, the card is chargedusing microwave radiation, such as inside a microwave oven or by leakagefrom a microwave oven.

Alternatively or additionally, the card can be powered and/or rechargedby a reading device, such as a contact or contact-less reader or an ATMmachine.

In some of the power transmission embodiments described herein, thepower transmission is rapid, for example during a short reading session.Power received by the card during that short period may be stored intemporary store 39, such as a capacitor, prior to being used to rechargebattery 38. Conversely, slowly arriving power, such as provided bylow-amplitude power transmission methods, may need to be accumulated intemporary store 39, so that it can be used to charge battery 38 or powerthe card.

Battery Location

Preferably, the batteries are located in a portion of the smart-cardunderlying the embossed portion, which portion is allowed to be thickerthan other parts of the card under the EMV standard. Thus, standardand/or lower cost batteries may be suitable.

Alternatively or additionally, the battery may be external to thesmart-card, possibly fitting in a depression of the smart-card.Possibly, the battery has an adhesive coating used to attach the batteryto the card. External batteries preferably have electrodes with matchingleads on the smart-card. When the battery is depleted it may be removedand replaced.

Layout of Smart-Card Elements

FIGS. 3C-3E are schematic illustrations of variations of smart-cardstructures, in accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention.In FIG. 3C, substantially all of one face of the card forms an acoustictransducer. The processor and the memory (44 and 46) are preferablyembedded in the card. Battery 38 may be a thin battery which is embeddedin the card or glued on it (shown for example in FIG. 3C). In oneexample, the card itself is manufactured of a piezoelectric material andarea 42 indicates the region which is electrified using electrodes. Inone embodiment, only two electrodes are used. In other embodiments, atleast one of the electrodes comprises a plurality of electrodes, so thatvarious acoustic modes may be excited and/or sensed in the card. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, the construction of the acousticantenna is that of two electrodes with a piezoelectric materialsandwiched between them. Possibly the piezoelectric material is the basematerial of the card itself.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the card is formed of apolarized plastic with piezoelectric properties, using manufacturingtechniques known in the art. Possibly, only the portion of the cardadjacent the electrodes is polarized. In some embodiments of theinvention a same region 42 is used both for transmission and forreception, in others, separate regions are provided, which regions mayoverlap. It is noted that in some embodiments described herein, theacoustic frequencies used have wavelengths sizes on the order of thesize of the smart-card or significant sections thereof. As can beappreciated, in some cases it is the card size and mechanicalcharacteristics which determine the ultrasonic frequency to be used.Preferably, the size and thickness of the card are similar to that of acredit card. Possibly, card 40 is somewhat thicker than a credit card.

Smart-Card with Array Detector

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, region 42 comprises an arrayof electrodes and this array may be used to detect pressure on the card,for example pressure caused by moving a stylus over the card. Dependingon the processing power of the card, this detection may be used as ahandwriting input. In an example in which only a lower resolution isneeded, pressure on certain areas of the card, can be detected, forexample to emulate a keyboard on the card surface.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, at least part of the cardis covered with a SAW device, which generates output signals indicativeof an (X,Y) position of a pen tip on the SAW and/or the pressure againstit. In an exemplary embodiment, a user signs a sales receipt over theSAW portion, so that both an electronic and paper record of thesignature are made. the electronic copy may be sent immediately (orafter a time) to a remote computer for processing.

Other Methods of Handwriting Recognition

Alternatively or additionally, handwriting input may be provided byincorporating the card functionality into a device such as a pen, whoseposition can be determined, for example by TOF (time of flight)measurements relative to the computer speaker. The determination ofdistance, or possibly position may be sufficient for biometricidentification of the pen user, for identification of correctness of thesignature and/or possibly for rudimentary or complete handwritingrecognition.

Additional Uses of Piezoelectric Detectors

Alternatively or additionally to use as acoustic antennas, thepiezoelectric regions may be used for power supply, as indicated above.Alternatively or additionally, the piezoelectric regions may be used togenerate audible sounds, for example to play recordings or synthesizedspeech or indicator (e.g., beeps) sounds. Alternatively or additionally,the piezoelectric regions may be used as a sonic microphone, for speechinput. Analysis of speech input may be performed on the card, on anearby computer or on a remote computer to which recorded speech soundsare transmitted. It is noted that the card can include user-specificspeech-recognition libraries, to assist in the speech recognition.Alternatively or additionally, the piezoelectric regions may be used todetect data input of a simpler kind, for example tapping, flexing,and/or bending of the card.

Dual Use Smart-Card

In FIG. 3D a magnetic strip is formed of a piezoelectric material, so itcan serve as resonator 42. Alternatively or additionally, resonator 42underlies the strip, possibly being embedded in the card. Thus, a cardis provided with both magnetic and smart-card type capabilities.

Alternative Smart-Card Layout

In FIG. 3E a holograph glued onto the card (for example as in a VISAcard), shown as a rectangle with the reference 42, serves as theultrasonic transducer and/or to cover or contain the electronics ofprocessor 44 and/or memory 46. In the photoelectric embodiments, above,an area 43 of the card may be embedded with photo-electric cells.Possibly, a same area is used both for photoelectric activity and forpiezoelectric activity. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, card40 includes an infra-red generating area 41, for example a LED or asurface patch (scalar, vector or two-dimensional array). Optionally,card 40 includes a thin-screen type display 45, for example an LCDdisplay, for displaying information stored, transmitted and/or receivedand/or feedback.

Two Part Smart-Card

FIG. 3F is a schematic illustration of a smart-card holder 110 forholding a smart-card or smart badge 112, in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention. Holder 110 may be used, for example inthose situations where the smart-card is used for identificationpurposes or for logging in, and a clear field of view to the card isdesirable. Although a slotted holder is shown, other types of holdersmay be used, including clip-type holders and holders where the holderand smart card interlock mechanically.

The power supply of card 112 is preferably located on the card, forexample as described above. However, in some preferred embodiments ofthe invention, the power source and/or other circuitry of the card islocated on holder 110. In one example, only the battery or a mainbattery is on the badge holder. A secondary battery on the card itselfmay be provided for limited use when the card is removed from theholder. Possibly, the badge holder includes circuitry for receiving andtransforming transmitted power, such as RF, light, ultrasound or LFmagnetic fields, or local power, such as inertial motion of flexing ofthe card, into power for recharging the card, shown generally asreference 116. Alternatively or additionally, a microphone, loudspeakerand/or amplification circuitry, may also be provided on the badgeholder, indicated generally by a reference 117. Possibly, the card has alimited range and/or other functionality, which are enhanced when thecard is placed in the badge holder. The communication between the cardand the badge holder may consist of only power connections, digital dataconnections and/or analog data connections, showed generally asreference 114. This communication is preferably wired. Alternatively oradditionally, contact-less communication may be used, for exampleinductive communication.

Card Position Determination

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, spatial angles, and/or one-two- or three-dimensional relative positions of a smart-card and anelectronic device (such as a computer or an input or other peripheral)are determined by analyzing various characteristics of sounds receivedand/or transmitted by the smart-card. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, a relative location of a pulsing sound source and a pluralityof microphones is determined by solving time of flight equations.Alternatively or additionally, other methods known in the art forprocessing acoustic signals or for non-acoustic based methods ofposition determination may be used. Thus, the relative location of asmart-card or an ID card (described below), relative to anotherelectronic device, may be determined and used to control the operationand/or cooperation of one of the above devices. In an exemplary usedescribed below, the position of a smart-card relative to one or morefinger-worn input devices is determined, using acoustic or non-acousticposition sensing methods. An exemplary non-acoustic positioning methodis an inertial positioning method, such as using MEMS inertial sensors,for detecting acceleration (and by integration velocity and position) ofa smart-card and/or of the finger devices in space.

Alternatively or additionally, the smart-card may use its ability tosend and receive acoustic signals as a rudimentary radar. In aparticular application, the card tracks the distance to the device it ispointed at, e.g., a reader, to verify that it is within a prescribedrange and/or angular range. Possibly, a lower power setting may be usedfor shorter ranges. Alternatively or additionally, the user may beinstructed to turn the card. In some applications, a user may berequired to rotate the card in a measured manner and/or the card may usephased array and/or other types of non-scalar control of the smart-cardtransmission and/or reception antennae.

Applications and Implementation Details

Various applications implementing the smart-card technology describedabove are described below. Some of these applications may also useother, known, smart-card technologies.

A feature of some embodiments of the invention is that a card can beused for transmission over medium distances, such as 0.3-20 meters, morepreferably, between 2-10 meters or about 7 meters.

Speech Input and Output

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the acoustic transmissioncapability of the card is utilized for speech output. In one exemplaryembodiment, the output is used to provide details of a transaction beingperformed, especially amounts, the product purchased and the identity ofthe vendor. Such details may be especially useful for preventing fraudin electronic-commerce, in which the user of the card may not be awareof what purchase is being recorded.

In another exemplary embodiment, the output is used to provide feedbackto a user on card functionality, for example to explain why atransaction is problematic. In another exemplary embodiment the card isused as a speech input and/or output converter for an existing device,such a as PDA. Thus, the card can receive voice commands from a user,convert them to PDA commands which the card transmits to the PDA,preferably using audible or ultrasonic transmissions. Responses from thePDA are preferably received by the card and then outputted to the userusing a voice output. Thus, a user can be assured of a single interfaceto many complex electronic devices. In some cases, the quality of speechgenerated by the card is low, so that card transmits an indication ofthe desired speech to a computer or other electronic device, whichdevice converts the indication into audible speech. In a particularembodiment, the indication comprises a compressed and/or frequencyup-shifted version of the speech sounds.

Speech input by the smart-card may also be utilized for authenticationpurposes, for example a user verifying a purchase, which verificationcan be stored on the card or transmitted to a remote location. Such averification is optionally encrypted or digitally signed by the card,utilizing methods known in the art.

Alternatively or additionally, the card uses speech to makeannouncements to the user, for example, reminders for meetings.Alternatively or additionally, the card may be used to play downloadedsound files, for example speech or music.

Alternatively or additionally, such a card may be used as a help cardfor various electronic appliances which have the ability to communicatewith such a card. Although the help is preferably provided by the carditself, in some embodiments, the help is provided by a computer, forexample by the card causing a browser executing on an associatedcomputer to present a particular WWW page to the user, based on therequired help. The help may be context-sensitive help, for example basedon an estimation of the device state by the card or based on a reportingof the device. Alternatively, a user may operate an input interface ofthe card to provide a specific help section. In some cases, for exampleas described herein, a card can read the identification of a devicecomponent, for example using a bar code.

Use of Card for Electronic Wallet

It should be noted that such an acoustic smart-card may also be used asa customer card, as well as for an “electronic wallet”, sinceinformation about the card holder can easily be retrieved from the card.Also, it is simple to transmit information to the card. More detailedapplications are described below.

Piracy Protection

A software-piracy protection method in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention comprises a passive ID tag which responds toan interrogation by low frequency RF or ultrasound. Such a tag may alsohave stored thereon various information, such as an identification ofthe software purchaser. In one example, such a tag is attached to thecase of a software CD, such that the software will operate only if thecomputer on which it runs can interrogate the CD for a particular code,using ultrasonic or sonic signals. Alternatively or additionally, the IDtag may be attached to the CD itself and/or attached to (or integratedwith) an implement used for interacting with the software, for example atoy implement. Alternatively or additionally, the tag may be permanentlyattached (such that removal will damage it) to the case and/or monitorand/or other internal or external elements of the computer.Alternatively or additionally, the ID tag is plugged in as apass-through hasp, which possibly does not interact with the data lineswhich pass through it at all, but may use power from the power lines.Rather, the authentication of the software uses acoustic communicationbetween the hasp and the microphone and/or speaker. Alternatively oradditionally, the tag may be mobile, to allow a roaming user to usesoftware at remote locations. Alternatively to protecting software, sucha method may be used to protect an easily stolen device, such as a PDAor a laptop computer, which can use their internal speakers and/ormicrophones to detect the proximity of a required ID tag.

Authentication Using a Smart-Card

An authentication system in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe invention preferably uses a computer for authentication. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, a user may be authenticated bythe computer interrogating a smart-card (or smart ID card or badge) ofthe user and then listening for a suitable response from the card usinga microphone. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the computeruses the detected sound to determine attributes of the card, for exampleits distance from the computer. Alternatively or additionally, toresponding to interrogation as described above, the smart-card mayrespond to an ambient room sound (for example an ultrasonic wave or aDTMF tone from a computer) with an ID code. Alternatively oradditionally, a user may enter a code into a computer by having thesmart-card transmit the required sounds, for example ultrasonic waves orDTMF and allowing the computer to receive the DTMF tones using thecomputer's microphone. Optionally, such ultrasonic waves also utilize aDTMF-like logic of simultaneous transmission at a plurality ofultrasonic frequencies, to indicate selected data values Alternativelyto acoustic-based interrogation, the interrogation (or ambient field)may be RF based.

Preferably, as indicated above, the smart-card responds with acousticsignals, possibly ultrasonic signals. Optionally, the smart-card usesthe energy of the interrogation signal to generate the response signal.Alternatively or additionally, the smart-card is interrogated using asmart-card-specific code. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,such a smart-card is used for computer log-on authentication. Forexample, when a wearer approaches a computer, the computer automaticallylogs on to that user. Alternatively or additionally, the computer mayrequire the proximity of the smart-card in addition to standard log-onprocedures. Alternatively or additionally, the computer may periodicallyinterrogate the smart-card, to insure that the card wearer is stillnearby. It should be noted that a lower quality connection may besuitable for maintaining the “logon”, while a higher quality/bandwidthconnection may be required for the initial log-on. By using a periodicsignal, synchronous detection may be used, which may be more robust inthe presence of noise. In other embodiments, the smart-card transmitsperiodic signals, possibly synchronized to a clock signal from thecomputer, to allow some type of synchronous detection.

Alternatively or additionally, the computer may interrogate the card foruser specific information, for example a voice ID or personalinformation stored on the card. The computer can thus query the user fora voice response and compare the response (voice print and/or contents)to confirm the card wearer is a designated card wearer.

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the card uses speechinput for identification. In others, the card detects a response to aquery by the absence, quality, number and/or other features of sounds,so no real speech recognition or matching is required.

A user may wear two cards, one for general authorization and oneincluding personal information. A computer may interrogate one or bothcards as needed.

The card can respond at once or at a delay to the interrogation signal.

Additionally, the response by the card may be at a same or differentfrequency as its interrogation.

Various characteristics of the response may be analyzed by the computerto determine, for example, a distance from, position to, velocity ofmotion and/or other spatial attributes of the card. In some embodiments,the card (or the computer) detects both an acoustic pulse and an RFpulse generated in association with the acoustic pulse. By comparing theamplitude of the two pulses and taking into account the directionalcharacteristics of the acoustic and/or RF antenna, information regardingthe relative orientation of the computer and the smart card can beestimated. By comparing the detection time of the two pulses, thedistance between the smart card and the computer can be determined, basedon the difference in velocity between the RF and acoustic waves.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the card responds to aninterrogation with an identification code. Alternatively oradditionally, the card modulates its transmission with an envelope,which envelope preferable serves as an identification code and/or fortransmission of information regarding a status of the card, for anoperational mode of the card. In some cases, the computer relays theresponse of the card to a more remote object, for example over anInternet. For identification purposes, the card may send an ID code evenwithout prompting from the computer, for example periodically or by auser pressing a button on the card (or by flexing the card).

Challenge Response Authentication

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a smart-card is used toimplement a challenge response mechanism. The smart-card receives thechallenge from a PC by means of acoustic communication, opticalcommunication or other means, for example as described herein. Afterreceiving the information, the smart-card calculates the response andshows it on an LCD screen or plays it's speaker. Alternatively, thedevice sends an audio file to the computer to be sounded so the user canhear it. The user then enters the response into the PC, e.g., by keyingit into the PC as his current password. Thus, in some embodiments only aspeaker (or only a display, such as a screen of LEDs) is required on thechallenging computer.

Multi-Dimensional Authentication by Smart-Card

A smart-card can be used to provide authentication in additional ways tothose described above. Possibly two or even three of the followingsecurity elements can be used: “who you are”—i.e., an identification ofthe requester, for example by a handwritten signature, a voice print orother biometric information, “what you have” i.e., the card itself whichcan include a private key, and “what you know, i.e., a password. In oneexemplary embodiment, the “card” is implemented using a pen, which,using localization techniques as known in the art, can be used to detecthandwriting. Alternatively or additionally, a gesture using the card isaccepted instead of a signature.

The password can be stored on the card. Possibly, a card stores aplurality of passwords and is used for single source logon (SSL) or forproviding passwords to multiple sites, as needed. Possibly thesepasswords can be used to give privileges to a card's owner in the formof better Internet service (speed of connection, limits). For example, amanager can come to his employee desk, wave his card and the Internetconnection will be better. Alternatively, various security restrictionsmay be alleviated, using the manager's restrictions instead. It is notedthat this does not require logging on to the computer (although it ispossible) by the manager. Rather, the computer recognizes the managereven while it remains logged on to the other user.

Biometric Validation Using a Smart-Card

As indicated above, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cardincludes biometric capabilities, for example voice, handwriting,fingerprint and image recognition (retina, face) information. In somecases, the card will only include the relevant biometric signature whilethe comparison and/or data acquisition are performed elsewhere, forexample using a camera for image acquisition. In other cases, the cardwill do the data acquisition and/or processing as well.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, when doing a deal, a user isrequested to say his name or another phrase. A hash of the informationis then signed by the card with the date and time and other details ofthe deal, and the information and the signature are transmitted to thesupplier. When a user attempts to repudiate a deal, the supplier sendshim the signed voice print and the user can verify that the deal isrecorded. The mechanism can be supplemented with a soft voiceverification technique on the card. This mechanism can be considered, tosome extent, to be similar to handwritten signatures on credit cardpurchases.

An alternative method of authentication uses one-way communicationbetween the card and a computer. The card transmits authenticationinformation (for example a one-time code) to an Internet server and thatserver signs on the transaction.

Alternatively or additionally, a “biometrics authority” is provided,which authority knows the biometrics signatures of people and givesverification on signatures by request. This authority may be accessed,for example by Internet or by telephone. The information sent to theauthority can be asymmetrically encrypted.

Smart-Card Transmission Over a Network

FIG. 4A is a schematic illustration of an Internet transmission pathwayfor sounds, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.When a smart-card 40 (or interrogated badge) transmitsinformation-carrying sounds to a computer, these sounds may be analyzedon the computer. Alternatively or additionally, the sounds may betransmitted from the computer to a remote computer, where they areanalyzed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a local clientcomputer 62 receives sounds and transmits them over an Internet 60 to aserver computer 50. Alternatively to using an Internet, an Intranet, aLAN, a WAN or another type of computer data network is used.Alternatively or additionally, at least part of the transmission pathmay comprise telephone lines, for example for carrying unprocessed soundsignals from the card. It is noted that there exist standard protocolsfor transmitting sounds over networks. Thus, there is little or no needfor changes in the hardware and/or software configurations of thecommunication pathway, especially not of client 62. The pathway can alsowork in the other direction, for example, when a smart-card requestsdownloading of data or software from a remote server, as acard-understandable sound file, or when the server interrogates thesmart-card. It is noted that playing of sound is also supported bystandard Internet protocols.

Alternatively or additionally, a smart-card may serve as an interrogatedID card that is used to control access to and/or billing of usage of anInternet site. In one example, whenever a user requests a service fromthe Internet, the existence of a local smart-card is ascertained.Billing information is preferably transmitted to the card. Preferably,the card is interrogated periodically (possibly by a third party),preferably over the Internet or a telephone connection, for theexistence of charges. Alternatively, a debit card may be used, in whichthe available balance is stored on the smart-card itself, so no periodicinterrogation is necessarily required.

In an example of a financial or business interaction over an Internet,one or more of the following three levels of security may be achieved.First, the presence of the card, which can be required by local and/orby remote software. Second, confirmation of the card weareridentification using personal information (such as voice or signature asdescribed above). Third, an identification of the calling computer(which should preferably match the wearer profile and/or informationstored on the card).

Communications between the smart-card and the remote computer 90 orother electronic device) may include encrypted communications, forexample using RSA, DES, triple DES or TEF encoding or other public-keyalgorithms. Alternatively or additionally, the communication may useDTMF or DTMF-like tones. Alternatively or additionally, suchcommunication may be used for telephone calling cards. Alternatively oradditionally, such communication may be used for transmitting creditcard information. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a creditcard includes a sound output (optionally encrypted). Thus, a user can“swipe” his card at any electronic device which includes a microphone(optionally a speaker, for two way communication) and suitablesoftware/hardware, for example a home computer. Possibly, swipingsoftware may be downloaded as a Java applet.

Generally, any type of smart-card interaction, for commercial and/or forpersonal uses may be implemented using the acoustic transmission methodsdescribed herein.

Use of a Smart-Card in a Store

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a smart-card is used forpurchasing services and/or goods in a store. In one example, shown inFIG. 4B, a person enters into a restaurant, carrying a smart-card 120.This smart-card may be used for several activities in the restaurant,for example, contacting a waiter's communicator 122, selecting a freetable (based on a list of tables transmitted by a central computer 124)and/or reviewing a menu and “today's specials” also transmitted bycentral computer 124. Possibly, some of this information and otherinformation, such as average waiting time, current line length, averagemeal costs, specific dish costs, delay until a particular dish is ready,dishes which are out of stock and in general any question that acustomer might ask a waiter, may even be answered when the client isoutside the restaurant (preferably using a speaker outside therestaurant). The client may query for this information or it may becontinuously presented. It is noted that some types of query responsesrequire a control of details and numerical information which are beyondthe ability of most waiters (but not of a central computer).

Once the customer is seated and has made his selection from the menu,the client can track the progress of his dish, for example bycommunication with a kitchen computer 132. In some restaurants, theclient is a regular customer (possibly the card is a “member's card”)and the card may be used to place the order. Possibly, the client canorder his “usual”. Alternatively, especially if the smart-card includesa display (or is implemented using a PDA), the client can order directlyusing the card. In some cases a card may not have a sufficienttransmission range and one or more local transducer, such as on thetable or on walls or ceilings of the room, are provided. Thesetransducers may be replaced by a remote loudspeaker/microphone systemfor the central computer. In some cases, the smart-card (possibly RFrather than acoustic) may be used at a medium distance, for example, 1,5 10 or even 15 meters between the card and the transducers.Alternatively, the card may be used at a short distance, for example,0.5 meters or even at contact or near contact distances, such as when atransducer is placed at each table. The card may be designed to workonly a short distance, for example by its having a reduced amplitude.Alternatively, the card logic may set the allowed distance, such as on apermanent basis or in response to the instant constellation of smartcard(s) and computer

At the end of the meal, the bill total and/or the bill details aredownloaded to the card. Using the card, the user can authorize paymentand/or add a tip. The payment authorization is preferably transmitted bycentral computer 124 to a remote credit card company 126 forverification. Possibly, the smart-card instructs the central computer toprint out a paper slip to be signed. However, a digital-type signatureis preferred. In an electronic wallet situation, no credit card companyis used. Instead “cash” is withdrawn from the smart-card.

In a store embodiment, or in a display-case type restaurant, thesmart-card may also be used to interrogate certain displays for furtherinformation, for a demonstration or for ordering.

Smart-Card-Smart-Card Interaction

In many situations, there will be more than one active smart-card in arestaurant at a single time. In FIG. 4B a second smart-card 130 isshown. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, smart-cards 120 and130 coordinate so that they do not both transmit or receive (to sameand/or different computers) at a same time. In one example, the centralcomputer assigns time, frequency or coding (CDMA) slots to identifiedcards. In another example, a distributed algorithm, such as an ALOHAalgorithm, is used to avoid collisions.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, two smart-cards can directlycommunicate, for example to exchange business information or “businesscards”. A particular situation is at a technology show where severalpersons from a single company will each view part of the show andinterrogate information from displays using their smart-cards. At theend of the day, these persons will preferably consolidate their findingby the smart-cards exchanging information or by downloading theinformation from the smart-cards to a central computer. Optionally, amediating computer may be used to assist communications between thesmart-cards.

Methods for a Smart-Card Tapping into a Computer

Alternatively or additionally to using acoustic signals to communicatewith a computer, a smart-card may tap directly into the computer. FIG. 5is a schematic block diagram of a communications tap 102 for a computer100, in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Oneproblem with computer communication is setting up the hardware andsoftware for communications. In the configuration of FIG. 5, a tap ispreferably placed on communication line to an existing peripheral 104.Thus, a user may not be required to even access a back part of acomputer, let alone a computer's inside. A smart-card 106 preferablysends and/or receives signals via tap 102. Additionally oralternatively, smart-card 106 may use one tap for receiving and anotherfor sending. Possibly, a smart-card uses taps only for one direction ofcommunication.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tap is placed on a cableto a printer, a network cable, a camera cable and/or a SCSI connection.Additionally or alternatively, the tap is placed on a serial cable, forexample a mouse cable. Additionally or alternatively, the tap is placedon a modem line, for example on a telephone line or by plugging the tapinto another telephone socket, to be received by the modem. Additionallyor alternatively, the tap is placed on a game controller line.Additionally or alternatively, the tap is placed on a loudspeaker line.This type of tap can detect signals which cannot be reproduced by theloudspeaker, for example very high frequencies. Additionally oralternatively, the tap is placed on a microphone line, possibly usingthe microphone line and/or the microphone itself as a sonic, ultrasonicor non-acoustic antenna (e.g., RF). Additionally or alternatively, thetap is placed on a display cable line.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tap includes anelectro-magnetic coupler, which can induce signals in a cable whichpasses through or near the tap. Additionally or alternatively, the tapcan detect signals in the line and transmit them to smart-card 106. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, the signals are at a differentcarrier frequency and/or signal frequency than the usual signals passedalong the line. Additionally or alternatively, the signals travel in anopposite direction (input signals on an output line, such as a printeror output signals on an input line, such as a mouse). Additionally oralternatively, the signals encode information which information isdetected and removed from the data stream in the computer. Additionallyor alternatively, the signals are asynchronic on a synchronic line.Additionally or alternatively, the signals are transmitted only when nosignal is expected by the computer and/or the peripheral. Alternativelyor additionally, and especially for input and output cables, the smartcard may inject an input into a cable, such as a microphone cable, tomimic actual reception of the sounds by the microphone. Conversely, asmart card can detect signals on a speaker wire, instead of acousticallyreceiving the sounds.

Alternatively to communicating with the computer, the tap may be usedfor operating the peripherals. In one example, a smart card is coupledto a speaker cable so that the speaker generates sounds desired by thesmart-card. In another example, the smart card detects signals on amicrophone wire, instead of supplying a microphone on the card. Thesounds thus generated for the smart card may be used for communicationwith a same or different computer or electronic device, using acousticcommunication methods described herein.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a piezoelectric actuator(or other vibrating element) is connected to a mouse (or a microphone).The actuator causes the mouse to shake at an amplitude of one or twoscreen pixels (or less) and the shaking is detected by software in thecomputer as signals from the smart-card. A return signal may betransmitted to a tap associated with the actuator, along the serialcable, with the signal preferably being coded to be recognized by thetap and/or ignored by the mouse.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, smart-card 106 sendssignals to computer 102 using a tap to cause virtual or physicalpressing of keys on a keyboard attached to computer 100. Preferably thekey used is a shift key. Additionally or alternatively, signals from thecomputer are detected by detecting illumination of LEDs on the keyboard,for example a “Num Lock” LED. In an example of virtual pressing, the tapinteracts with magnetic contact sensors in each key. Alternatively oradditionally, the tap induces signals indicative of key presses in thekeyboard cable. Alternatively or additionally, the tap physicallypresses the keys.

Alternatively or additionally, the tap detects illumination of otherLEDs on a computer, for example power, sleep, CD-ROM and/or hard diskLEDs. Alternatively or additionally, the tap detects informationtransmitted via noise or vibration generated by activation and/ormodulation of the activity of mechanical components of the computer, forexample diskette drives, disk drives and CD-ROM drives. Alternatively oradditionally, the tap detects an electromagnetic signal generated bypower surges to the devices, for example a CD-ROM when it is powered.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a tap “learns” theelectromagnetic and/or acoustic profile of a particular computer andalso learns the effects of various commands on this profile. When acomputer desires to communicate via a tap, it preferably modifies theprofile using those commands which are determined to have the greatest,most noticeable and/or fastest effect on the profile.

Additionally or alternatively, tap 102 comprises a transducer whichplugs into a parallel port, a serial port and/or is optically coupled orplaced near an IR port. Preferably, the transducer is a pass-throughtransducer, through which a printer and/or other peripherals maycommunicate normally with a computer.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tap and/or transducercan automatically detect which type of cable is tapped or port it isconnected to. Preferably, such detection is made by analyzing amplitude,frequency and/or synchronization of signals passing through the lines.Additionally or alternatively, the computer detects which line istapped, by detecting particular inferences on that line. Alternativelyor additionally, software on the computer sends test signals along thelines, to be detected by the tap. Preferably, the tap can detect thesesignals even without being programmed with the type of line on which thesignals are transmitted. Alternatively, when a tap is used, aconfiguration program is run so that a user can define to the tap and/orthe computer what is being tapped.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a smart-card directly tapsthe computer, for example using a coil embedded in the smart-card todetect signals being transmitted over data lines.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, suitable software isinstalled on computer 100. Preferably, the software is self installing,for example from a zipped file or from the Internet as a downloadedsoftware component. Preferably, the computer is not used for any otheruse while smart-card 106 is communicating with it. Additionally oralternatively, the software can differentiate between “regular” signalsand signals related to the tap. In one example, a provided keyboarddriver may detected special codes and/or data sequences on the keyboardline and remove them from the received data, passing only the rest ofthe received data to an operating system of computer 100. Additionallyor alternatively, a provided mouse driver may detect spurious and/orsmall mouse movements, and recognize them as being tap related signals.Additionally or alternatively, a printer driver can recognize signals onthe printer cable as not coming from the printer but from a tap.Additionally or alternatively, data sent to the tap is preferably sentas data which will be rejected or ignored by the peripheral, for examplehaving incorrect parity settings or other intentional errors.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the “non-standard” signalreceived on the computer is used to control other devices connected tothe computer, by the smart-card or to perform control or verificationfunctions as described above.

Card for Interaction with a Magnetic Drive

As described above, a card may draw power from a diskette drive.Additionally or alternatively, the card interacts with the head, forexample a diskette index read head, for communication with a hostcomputer of the drive. Possibly, the card may interact (forcommunication purposes) with magnetic read and/or write heads even ifthe card is not inserted in the slot. Preferably, the card includesmagnetic-field sensitive sensors, such as GMR sensors, as exemplaryembodiments of data input 49 (FIG. 3B). Such GMR sensors may also beused to allow the smart-card to read magnetic information, such as onmagnetic strip cards, by scanning the strip with the data input of thecard adjacent the strip. Alternatively or additionally, such a GMR orother magnetic sensor may be used to allow the card to eavesdrop onsignals transmitted via computer cables, for example as described belowwith reference to tapping. Alternatively or additionally, the cardincludes an RF or magnetic field generating unit capable of affectingthe read/write heads or coupled-with cables. For use with cables, theantenna may be extendible from the smart-card, possibly being operativeto surround the cable, pierce the cable or be placed in proximity to thecable or inside a device casing.

Multi-User Performance Using a Smart Card

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of an unobtrusive computer checkup inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. A user 142 isusing a computer 140. A user 146 wishes to interrogate computer 140, forexample to determine the presence of a networking problem. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, a smart-card 144 (or otherelectronic device) can communicate with computer 140 using anacoustical- or a tap-channel as described above, without interferingwith the activities of user 142. Alternatively or additionally,smart-card 144 may be used to interrogate an interface-less device, suchas a hub 148. One advantage of acoustical communication for these usesis that they do not generate a considerable amount of RF interferenceand do not require major (if any) changes in a (significant)install-base of hardware. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,hardware devices, such as hub 148 and computer 140 continuously “hum”their status, so that the status can be discerned by eavesdropping onthe hum, without needing to interrogate the hardware.

Exemplary Embodiment for Electronic Commerce

In a particular preferred embodiment of the invention, an electroniccommerce system comprises:

(a) a computer (desktop/laptop/hand-held) with a regular microphone(built into a monitor or computer or external) or specialsonic/ultrasonic microphone and at least one speaker;

(b) a card or other device which has an acoustic receiver, a processingunit, an acoustic transmitter and input and/or output filtration andamplification circuits;

(c) a communication protocol used by the card and computer;

(d) software on the card side;

(e) software on the PC side; and

(f) a security scheme, integrated with the other components.

In the smart-card, the acoustic receiver can be a regular capsulemicrophone, or an ultrasonic type microphone, possibly specific for aparticular frequency or frequency range used. Preferably, the processingunit used has sufficient power (a few MIPS), and includes some (on-chipor off-chip) memory, for example for storing and/or generating acryptographic signature. A Microchips 12C508, 12C672 or higherprocessing unit is preferably. In some cases, special ultra-low powercircuitry may be desirable. The acoustic transmitter can preferablygenerate a strong atmosphere wave. It is noted however, that only asmall amount of power is required for short range transmissions.Additionally, the transmitter may generate waves in solids, for exampleto be carried by the case of the computer comprising the microphone.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the input/output filtrationcircuits comprise op-amplifiers with filters for specific frequenciesfor input and output, dependent on the communication protocol used. Ifnon-audible frequencies are used, the filters should decrease power inaudible frequencies, to reduce annoyance of a user

An exemplary software for the smart-card demodulates the signalsreceived and converts them to data bits, either by time domain analysisor by Fourier analysis. Thereafter, error checking is preferablyperformed. The received information may be decrypted (if necessary).Alternatively or additionally, the received information may beencrypted, verified and/or signed, in order to be stored in localmemory. The local memory may comprise ROM, RAM, EPROM, EPROM and/orother types of memory as known in the art. Information to be transmittedmay be encrypted before transmission.

An exemplary software for the PC receives a detected signal, filters it,and opens the protocol. Preferably, the software reduces errors usingIIR Band Pass and/or low pass filters.

The received and filtered signal is then demodulated, into data bits,for example, by time domain analysis or by Fourier analysis. Datatransmission errors are preferably corrected. Methods known in the artof modem-based communication may be used for smart-card communication inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. The data maythen be locally analyzed (by the local computer or smart card) and/ortransmitted to a remote location, for example a seller's computer. Insome embodiments, this software is written in an Internet Language, suchas Java or ActiveX.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the acoustical detectionuses the maximum resolution and/or sensitivity afforded by themicrophone, i.e., going below the noise threshold as defined for audiouses. Alternatively or additionally, repeating and/or periodic ambientsounds are detected and removed or disregarded from the input signal. Ina preferred embodiment of the invention, ambient sounds arecharacterized as such during a calibration step which may be performedperiodically.

The receiver circuit preferably includes a narrow band amplifier,preferably with an automatic gain control (AGC). The circuit detects anaudio signal in the relevant band, and then compensates the gain by theAGC to form a stable output signal with amplitude of approximately 2Vpp. This analog signal is then fed into a comparator, which produces asquare wave with the frequency of the analog signal. This signal can beprocessed digitally by a micro-controller. The analog signal can also bedigitized by an A/D for more accurate processing in a more sophisticatedmicroprocessor.

In an exemplary transmitting circuit, a speaker is driven by a FET. Acapacitor is charged to full voltage after approximately 1 mSec,allowing a small amplitude of speaker driving signal at ignition, inorder to make the signal inaudible.

The transmission from the PC can be from one or two Speakers, poweredalternatively or possibly powered together, for example to increase thetotal power, to aid in noise cancellation and/or to aid in detectingechoes. Alternatively or additionally, to a speaker, transmission and/orreception of the computer can be from an acoustic transducer connectedto a standard port or possibly tapping the computer, as described above.Thus, there may be no need for a sound card in the computer. Also, asindicated above, at small distances there appears to be an overlapbetween acoustic and electromagnetic signals both with regard totransmission and with regard to reception. Thus, possibly some of thesignals are transmitted and/or detected using an RF antenna, or acousticsignal generation is detected using an acoustic antenna that detects anRF signature of the transmission generated by the computer.Alternatively or additionally, the RF is used as a backup for theacoustic channel.

Exemplary Security Scheme

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the following securityscheme is used: the card has stored thereon a private key of owner. Afacilitator has public keys of all users and is accessible via anInternet or other means. In some cases the seller is also thefacilitator.

In an exemplary embodiment, a user connects to a seller's site using alocal computer, and decides on a purchase. He (or she) activates thecard which in turn signals the local computer to transmit purchasingdata (e.g., a catalog number) and a random number, back to the card. Thecard in return, signs on the data and the number with its private keyand sends the signature back to the computer. The computer receives thesignature and sends it to the seller. The seller then verifies thesignature, for example using a locally stored public key or with thehelp of the facilitator. The supplier may save the purchasing data andsignature for his proof of purchase. The facilitator can also check ifthe random numbers are really random or to supply such random numbers.In some applications, the random number is generated by the seller.

This scheme can use any known cryptographic method for electronicsignature, for example RSA, Elliptic curve or methods which are notbased on public/private keying.

In some embodiments, the card is used only for transmission of apurchase authorization, possibly without receiving any data from thecomputer. Possibly, such information is entered directly into the card,for example using buttons on the card. Alternatively, the card onlytransmits a “usage” authorization, which is unrelated to the particularpurchase. Such an authorization is preferably a one-time, temporallylimited authorization, which expires after a short time, for example 30seconds. Replies from the seller may be locally stored on the localcomputer or the card for use by the card owner.

Display of Downloaded Data by Smart-Card

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the seller and/or thefacilitator can download advertisements and/or operating instructions tothe smart-card, possibly as part of a purchase agreement. This isespecially useful for devices that are programmed using soundsdownloaded from the Internet. Some of the downloaded sounds may comprisean audio (or visual—for suitable devices) user manual.

In some embodiments of the invention, the card displays informationvisually and/or acoustically to a human user. This information may befor example a commercial or instructions of use. Although directgeneration by the card is desirable, in some embodiments, the cardinstructs a computer with which it is communicating to do part or allthe displaying.

Suitable Frequencies

In an exemplary smart-card circuit, the reception of a signal is via aminiature wide band microphone, and the transmission is via a lowprofile miniature diaphragm. The sound frequencies are in the range of18 kHz to 22 kHz, in order to make the data transfer inaudible. However,lower (audible) frequencies can be used when the computer microphone hasa poor performance, or when otherwise desirable.

Depending on the particular implementation various frequencies may beused, for covering the range between 1 Hz and 300 kHz. However,Preferably, low-frequency ultrasonic waves, such as between 16 kHz and100 kHz, preferably below 80 or 50 kHz and preferably between 18 and 30kHz are used. Similar frequencies are expected to be used for at leastsome of the RF embodiments described herein. It should be noted that therange of available frequencies may be limited if ultrasonic frequenciesare used, due to degraded capabilities of the computer sound card,microphone and/or speaker.

It should be noted that ultrasonic frequencies can be also be generatedindirectly, for example, by the interference of sonic waves (at same ordifferent frequencies) from two loud speakers and by various quirks ofloudspeakers and their driving circuitry, such as non-linear response.Thus, in some cases inaudible ultrasonic waves can be achieved at afrequency which the sound card, the transport layer and/or the sourcecannot handle. Also, as some sounds in the computer are not caused bythe speaker (e.g., the hard disk and CD-drive), some attainablefrequencies and sound envelopes may be unrelated to the sound card used.

Use of Speaker as a Microphone

In many cases, a speaker is available for a computer but a microphone isnot. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a speaker is used as amicrophone.

Preferably, the speaker is connected to the microphone port and/or linein port of a sound card, possibly through an adapting unit. Apparently,many speakers can operate as a microphone if they are not connected to apower source. Preferably, an adapting unit is provided, for example toserve for buffering, switching (between microphone and speakerfunctions) and/or for amplitude protection. In one embodiment, thespeaker is connected in parallel to both microphone and loudspeakerchannels of a sound card, with electronic protection for the microphonechannel so that the power to the speaker does not harm the microphoneand/or the microphone channel.

Communication Protocol

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the detection of a signal byan electronic device, computer and/or smart-card comprises a binarydetection of the signal, e.g., an on/off state. Additionally oralternatively, more complex signal detection and analysis techniques maybe implemented, for example, detection of signal amplitude, frequency,frequency spectrum, Doppler shift, change in amplitude and/or duration,detection of a number of repetitions, voice and/or other patternrecognition in the sound. Various information encoding protocols may beused, including AM, FM, PSK, FSK, QPSK, pulse length encoding and/orcombinations of the above. The transmitted signal may include, forexample, one or more of information about the sending device'sactivities, location, environment, nearby devices, locally sensedinformation, logic state, readiness, requests for information and/oranswers to such requests. Although pulsed wave forms are preferred, insome embodiments of the invention, continuous wave forms may be used.Preferably, digital encoding methods are used, however, in someembodiments, analog encoding methods are used instead or in addition.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, periods of silence areprovided between data bits in protocols other than on-off keying. In oneexample, an FSK protocol is provided with silence between the frequencypulses. Preferably, the duration of the silence is sufficient so thatechoes (or other artifacts) from the original pulse do not overlap witha next pulse. This period may be fixed, for example based on an expectedgeometry of the electronic devices and where they are used.Alternatively, the protocol may be adapted based on the instant echosituation. Alternatively or additionally, the pulse duration may bemodified to overcome noise, echo and/or other transmission problems. Ina preferred embodiment of the invention, a few calibration pulses arefirst sent to determine a desired silence and/or pulse duration.Possibly, different such durations are used for the two communicationdirections.

Signal Processing

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the microphone of thesmart-card (and/or of the computer) comprises a directional microphone,for example a stereophonic microphone or a microphone in which thefrequency response is spatially non-uniform. Thus, the direction of asound source can be determined if the relative amplitudes of theconstituting frequencies are known.

In some cases one or more of the following problems may be encountered,including: echoes, interference, and, at higher frequencies (>10 kHz)problems of directionality and weak reception. In addition, manymicrophones and speakers behave badly or in an unstable manner at thesefrequencies. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the receivedsound signals are processed using known signal processing techniques,such as filtration, equalization and echo cancellation. Preferredfrequency band types include a single band, a wide band spread-spectrumand frequency hopping bands. Preferred protocols utilize one or more ofstart-stop synchronization bits, and constant and/or variable lengthmessages. Possibly the card and/or the PC include logic for determiningthe exact frequency used for transmission, for example to correct forfrequency hopping or for frequency shifts caused by inaccuratemanufacture of environmental effects. Error detection methods may beused, for example, CRC (preferably 32 bit), Parity, Checksum, Blowfish,Hamming Codes, Retransmit/BCD Codes and Gray codes. Alternatively oradditionally, error correcting techniques can be used, especiallyresending error packets and correcting using redundant information inthe transmission.

The protocols may be implemented at various communication layers, asdefined by the OSI seven layer model, including both low-level layers,such as the 1st, 2nd and 3rd and higher-level layers, such as the 4th,5th, 6th and 7th.

Variations of Signal Processing

In some cases, for example if the receiver has a reduced computingcapacity or if the sound card has a limited sampling rate, the incomingaudio stream is sampled at less than twice the carrier frequency.However, a side effect of such sub-sampling, especially when there areno anti-aliasing filters, is that there may be confusion between audibleand ultrasonic sounds. Thus, more complex processing may be required. Inone example, synchronous detection or a more robust error detectionmethod is used. Alternatively or additionally, a specialized waveformwith unique time/spectrum characteristics is used, for example one thatrepeats itself at both 1 and 4 kHz after the down sampling. Thus, it canbe better differentiated from the background.

Direct Digital Processing

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the received signals fromthe acoustic element are amplified to TTL levels and connected directlyinto one or more data lines of the micro-controller. This “data” may betreated as binary sampled input and analyzed to determinecharacteristics of the received signals, for example using Fourieranalysis. Thus, a high acoustic frequency can be detected and/oranalyzed, without requiring a separate A/D. Preferably, the signal isamplified by various amounts, such as by several multiples of two andthe amplified signal is connected in parallel to a different one of thedata legs, so that multi-level signal detection is facilitated.Alternatively or additionally, one or more data lines may be directly(i.e., no D/A, but possibly with an amplifier or an isolator) coupled toa loudspeaker, to generate a “digital” acoustic output.

Automatic Data Entry from Smart-Card

One aspect of some preferred embodiments of the invention relates to themethod of providing data from the smart-card to a vendor, via theInternet. Generally, data is provided either as part of a URL or byposting. The credit card information, digital signature and/or e-moneyinformation may use a special field. however, this may require rewritingsoftware at many vendors. Also, an eavesdropper can more easily identifythe sensitive information.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, data to be transmitted isentered in a way which requires minimal changes of software at thevendor and/or at the user. Alternatively or additionally, the data isentered in a field which is designed for other data content, for examplecredit card information into a address field. This can be an existingfield or a new “notes” field. Alternatively or additionally, thesensitive data is encrypted or otherwise modified, so that aneavesdropper does not recognize it as important data.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data is entered, by asoftware on the user's computer which receives the input from thesmart-card (or other input device such as a magnetic card reader),locates a suitable filed on a displayed form and then enters the data inthat form. Alternatively or additionally, the software can identify asound file or data file downloaded with the page that includestransaction information to be forwarded to the smart-card or otherdevice. Alternatively or additionally, the software can identify thesalient fields in the displayed form and present these fields to thesmart-card.

In an exemplary process, a page is downloaded from a vendor, a userenters data in the page, a user authenticates the data and the data issent to the vendor. The vendor may then forward the data to an accountmanager, such as a credit card company, for verification. In some cases,the vendor requests authentication after the data was sent and receivedby him.

The data may be entered manually, but it is preferably entered by thesmart-card. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the software onthe computer identifies the fields which can be filled in withinformation from the smart-card or using other methods as known in theart. Alternatively or additionally, the software identifies any fieldwhich has a sufficient amount of empty space and inserts the requireddata (e.g., authentication data not field data) into the field.Possibly, the data is tagged. Alternatively, the vendor and/or verifiercan recognized relevant data even without tagging. The vendor mayanalyze the data and forward only some of it to the verifier.Alternatively, he may send all the data to the verifier.

This type of software may be a Java applet or other downloadable networksoftware. Alternatively, it may be software which is resident on theuser's computer. Alternatively or additionally, the smart-card maydownload to software to the computer, providing the computer has ordownloads from the Internet or other source, a bootstrap program forsound-input recognition and programming.

Alternatively or additionally to working at the browser level, thesoftware can insert data directly into packet or as extra packets on alower communication level, for example by masquerading as a TCP/IPstack.

The relevant fields to be filled in may be identified, for example bytheir name, by tagging by the vendor or even by identifying theircontent (e.g., the user's address can be recognized by the software asfilling an address field).

Use of a Smart-Card to Authenticate a Display

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, protection is providedagainst “What-You-See-Is-Not-What-You-Get” computer viruses. Theseviruses alter the information displayed on the screen so as to deceivethe user. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a device isprovided to assure a user that what he sees on the screen is what isintended to be shown (e.g., to confirm a digital signature by a trustedparty).

An information verifying device in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the invention can read the textual and signatureinformation from the screen directly by optical means (e.g., a CCD, forspatially encoded information of a photocell for temporally encodedinformation), or, it can connect between screen and PC (and decode thescreen display electronic signals) or it can be a special monitor(connected to the computer display driver) that preserves a specialviewing space for authenticated data and/or authentication data. Thissignature preferably includes the salient details of the proposed deal.

In addition, the device can read encrypted information by these samemeans. Thus, a user has a method of testing the validity of a signatureprovided by a computer even if he does not trust a particular computer.In the cases of a laptop including a video camera, a user can use thelaptop to directly acquire and test the displayed image, instead ofusing a specialized device. Alternatively or additionally to an opticalsignature, an audio signature may be used, possibly being transmittedultrasonically to the device, for example being a sound file (audible orinaudible) downloaded and sounded as part of a displayed WWW page. Apreferred implementation is a smart card having an optical or acousticinput, as described herein.

Use of Smart-Card to Validate a Transaction

When doing an electronic transaction with a smart-card the user may notknow what he is really agreeing to. For example—is the price beingcharges the same as the price being displayed? Is the vendor who heclaims to be? A solution in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe invention is to have the smart-card (any type, not only acoustic)present transaction information directly to a user so the user canauthorize it. In one example, the data is presented using a text tospeech unit on the card. In another example, the card includes a visualdisplay to display the information. In one example a card will announce(for example acoustically or visually) all critical aspects of the dealfor example: amount, vendor name, date, which the card holder isrequested to approve. It is noted that for wireless cards it may beeasier to provide a text to speech unit than a LCD display because ofthickness of the card. Alternatively or additionally, the informationmay be presented by a card reader device, if one exists. It is alsonoted that presenting the amount on a reader may not always besufficient, unless also the vendor appropriating the money is properlyidentified. As suggested above, a user may then voice sign (add an OKand then sign using digital signature techniques) on the transaction andthis signed voice agreement stored by the vendor.

In some embodiments, the vendor may be human, rather than machine. Humanvendors may perform a transaction in person or over a network as well. Avoice authorization from a vendor may be useful, for example for thecomfort of the card holder or if a special discount is given to the carduser.

Visibly Marked Revocation of Smart-Card

Many companies and/or institutions have wearable ID cards (sometimeswith a picture) for restricting access of unauthorized people. Sometimesthese cards are used also for computer access and/or for automatic doorsand use smart-card and/or magnetic strip technologies. When these cardsget lost, these companies are often helpless against a criminal whowants to use this card to enter the company. In a preferred embodimentof the invention, the card includes a material, such as a liquid crystalwhich changes its color and/or other optical characteristics, based on avoltage potential, and can stay at this state when the voltage changesor is cut-off. Possibly, the effect wears off and the card needs to berecharged. Possibly, the card is patterned using a special voltagepattern that is difficult to mimic without the recharging device. In apreferred embodiment of the invention, a card erases itself if it is notinterrogated for a certain amount of time or if it is notified that itis invalidated (e.g., when it enters the company grounds after beinglost).

Alternatively or additionally to the color changing, patterns of thecolors change, possibly in a way which is imperceptible to a human andpossibly in a way which is perceptible, for example to indicate the word“stolen”. Alternatively or additionally, as described above, a cardreader can tell the card it is revoked. Thus, a thief will beapprehended with a card that is marked “stolen”. In some embodiments ofthe invention, the card will change color only after a short time, sothe thief puts it back into his pocket, unknowingly, after he performs atransaction during which the card is revoked. Alternatively oradditionally, the color changing material, an activation of a change inthe color or a “revoked” stamp may be applied by the card reader. Thesemarking methods may also be applied to regular magnetic cards and notonly to smart-cards. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, themarking of a card as invalid draws a minimum or no current, so that thecard will remain marked as invalid. Alternatively or additionally, themarking may be tied to the operation of the card. Thus, once there isnot enough power to sustain the marking, the card ceases operation.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the patterned area is onboth sides of the card (being controlled separately or as a unit).Alternatively, it is only on one side of the card. Although thepatterned area may be small, it may, in some embodiments cover over 10%,20%, 40% or 60% of the card surface. In some embodiments of theinvention, the functionality of the patterned area may be provided by amulti-purpose display which can lock into a mode where it displays anindication, such as “stolen” and cannot be taken out of the mode exceptby a special coded command or by using a special unlocking device.Alternatively or additionally to visual display, the card may emit anaudio indication, such as a hum, a beep or a speech segment, when thecard is revoked or stolen. This indication may be presented continuouslyor it may be presented only when the card is in use. In visual displaycards, the pattern changing may be applied only when the card is in use,for example so the thief is not aware of the problem.

Personalization of Interaction Using Smart-Card

The smart-card can store various types of personal information on it. Inparticular, this information may be used to control an associatedcomputer. In one example, the computer is driven to display a certainInternet page, responsive to the presence of the smart-card and/or userinput to the smart-card. These applications apply also to non-acousticcommunication methods and even contact communication methods. However,acoustic communication has the benefit of not requiring dedicatedhardware.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the card provides immediateaccess to certain web pages: when pointed to the computer, possibly witha click of a button or other control on the card, the card givesimmediate access to a desired portal or trading site thus brings easyaccess, and customer loyalty. Possibly, the desired portal can beselected by manipulating the card itself, for example pressing a buttonthereon. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, determination ofmovement of the card is used, in interaction with the computer display,to allow a card user to make a selection. In one example, moving thecard selects between different menu items on a display.

Alternatively, the card causes the display of a mail page or apersonalized bank account, billing and/or shopping page. Theidentifying, password and/or personal information stored on the card maybe used to select the page (or non-browser program), configure it and/ordisplay it.

In another example, banners, deals offers and/or other advertisingmaterial presented to the user are selected and/or modified using thesmart-card. In one embodiment, a software executing on the computer,possibly a JAVA applet downloaded with the page or a stand alonesoftware, receives the information from the card and transmits it to theadvertisement provider. The software may encrypt the data, to guaranteethat only authorized or paying customers receive it or to protect theidentity of the card holder.

Association of Information with a Smart-Card

As indicated above, in various preferred embodiments of the invention,the card can store user information on it. Some of the information canbe mandatory and some optional. The information may include credit carddetails, credit limit, biometrics information, age, sex, occupation,hobbies, buying patterns, purchasing habits, and personalitycharacteristics. Possibly, some of the information may be modified bythe user. Alternatively or additionally, some of the information cannotbe modified once written, at least not by the user. Some of thisinformation can be sold or otherwise disseminated, preferably underprivacy considerations, for example to merchants that fear frauds,and/or buyers or sellers in auctions. Possibly, such information isprovided encrypted such that only a special provider can decrypt it, forexample if fraud is attempted (e.g., during purchase or during thewarranty period) or to facilitate recalls of damaged merchandise.

The information can be used to personalize the navigation of a user onthe Internet and add specially made banners. Special personalizeddiscounts/coupons can be offered according to this information specificto the user holding the card. Alternatively or additionally, thisinformation is used to personalize, bill and/or authorize the purchasingof services, such as usage of software at a server computer and/or othertypes of network-based computing.

In one embodiment of the invention, a consumer information authorityexists, that provides certain consumer information (such as age, creditlimit, money spent, on which product categories, etc.) and guaranteesits validity. This information resides on the card, and can be encryptedand signed, and can be sold to companies for discount to the user and/orfor payment for the authority. The authority can also allow companies tosave specific information on the card on a separate storage space, andcan give different layers of service. The discount for the user can bein the form of micro-payments or other kinds of digital money, stored onthe card, and being accumulated and being cashed, possibly at theauthority web site.

In some embodiments, dissemination of information (stored on the card oroff of it) requires an authorization by the card holder, for example inresponse to an e-mail from the authority or at the authority web site.In some cases, the user will initiate the transaction, for convertinginformation into purchasing power. Thus, in contrast to standard smartwallets which store money or money equivalents, a user of a card of somepreferred embodiments of the invention stores salable information on thecard. In some cases, the stored information is other than that relatedto personal purchasing habits. For example, a card may includeinformation retrieved from various WWW sites or exchanged with othercard holders, for example identities and other personal information ofpersons at business meetings or parties.

Alternatively or additionally, the card can be used to track thebrowsing of a user at a competitor's (or the one who purchases thebrowsing information) site. The card can be used to track the browsing,for example by tracking purchases. Alternatively or additionally, thecard may be used to authorize the authority to sell the information tothe competitor.

Alternatively or additionally, in an on-line auction, the authority canprovide or sell the card-holder's information, such as his IP address,e-mail address or his dependability (in previous actions and/orauctions). Thus, an auction house or an individual can rank the offersit receives based on the placers behavior at other auctions and/orpurchase situations. Alternatively or additionally, the card-holder canauction out his information regarding purchases or WWW browsingbehavior, to the various competitors.

Another type of information which can be stored in association with thecard is account information. In a preferred embodiment of the invention,when a user interacts with a banner, reads commercials, readsadvertising or “spam” mail from certain vendor(s) or participates inother types of e-exposure, the user receives a certain amount of points(or money) which are stored directly on the card. The user can then usethese “points” to gain access to certain Web-pages/information that isnot accessed without these points. One type of transmitting the pointsis via a coupon attached to a spam-mail message. This “coupon” may be acoded text string. Alternatively, a sound file or an image pattern(spatial and/or temporal) may be used, which pattern or file can be readdirectly by the card from the computer, as it is displayed.

Use of a Smart-Card for Transfer of Valuables

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a smart-card having directaccess to the Internet, for example as described herein, but alsopossibly using an RF transducer system, is used to facilitate thetransfer of money and/or other valuables (such as movie tickets,baseball tickets and discount coupons) over the Internet or otherelectronic communication means. These valuables can be transmitted, forexample, as sound or text files using various available means, such asemail, browsing, messaging services such as ICQ and “instant messenger”.When the smart-card is then used to redeem the valuable, the redeemingcomputer does not need an Internet connection. Further, in someembodiments described herein the point-of-sale redeeming device does notneed a reader. Rather, a microphone is enough. In some devices, the RFfrom a computer speaker can be used to transmit information to a RFsmart-card. A microphone may be used to detect modulations of RFamplitude from the card.

Use of a Smart-Card in a Multi-Vendor Situation

A particular implementation of a smart-card is in a mall shoppingsituation. In some cases, the card is constantly receiving probes fromvarious nearby sources, for example ultrasonic or RF probes. Responsiveto such a probe, the card can indicate to a user that a nearby shop isoffering a discount. In one example, a mall-wide (or super-market wide)transmission network transmits targeted offers to card holders.Possibly, the transmission is not targeted and the card itself selectswhich offers to display. In some embodiments, the card is embodied usinga user provided smart-card having mainly information and a mall-providedreader that receives the transmissions and/or displays the offers.Possibly, a user can use his card to interact with the mall network, forexample to analyze offers or to play award-giving games. The mall-widenetwork is preferably embodied using existing wiring, for example usingacoustic encoding over the announcement system. Additionally, bytracking the location of a particular user, a mall-wide system can makean offer to a customer when he is deemed to be near a certain store.Alternatively or additionally, if a user has entered a store, received aquote or otherwise shown interest in a product and is then about toleave, the store computer can send him an offer or a discount. Adiscount may also be offered if a card holder is seen to be windowshopping—moving slowly right next to the store and/or exhibiting changesin walking patterns near the store.

A smart-card may be the initiator of the commercial interaction. Thus,the smart card can advertise what items the card holder is interested inbuying and/or what price he is willing to pay. any store willing tomatch those terms can respond. Alternatively, the store computers maysend a probe to a nearby smart card to see what the card owner isinterested in purchasing.

In some embodiments of the invention, the transaction may be completedwith the smart card without the card user ever entering a store, forexample using a mall-wide speaker system.

In another situation, a trade show, a card can be used to exchangeinformation between people, for example registering and exchangingbusiness cards or catalog information, to display personalizedcommercials on the card or on a nearby screen or speaker and/or toinform the card holder about nearby booths. The information on the cardand/or the advertising information can then be downloaded to a PC andstored thereon.

Alternatively or additionally, such a smart-card may be used as a localpager at such a store or exhibition, especially if cellularcommunication is blanked out at the location. Alternatively oradditionally, the card may be used to provide an indication that a userhas incoming mail. Alternatively or additionally, the smart-card mayperform calendar functions, such as reminding about meetings. Thepreprogrammed calendar information can be received from a PC using ascheduler program such as Microsoft Outlook or Sun's Star-Office.

Use of Smart-Card for Personal Communication

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the smart-card is used as apager. In one embodiment, computers in an office can locate a smart-cardby local interrogation and then a message may be broadcast to a nearbytelephone or intercom or using a nearby computer's loudspeaker.Alternatively or additionally, a visual message may be displayed on acomputer screen (which is known to be at a location at which the IDsmart-card is located) to notify a user of the computer that the user(or somebody in the room) is being paged. In another embodiment, acomputer may be used to transmit information to the smart-card whichwill itself generate an alert to the user, for example by vibrating(e.g., by electrifying the piezoelectric film), by making a sound or bydisplaying a text and/or graphic message. In another embodiment, atelephone network, optionally a digital network, is used to generateand/or receive ultrasonic signals which can be used to communicate witha smart-card. A narrow bandwidth system, for example an analog systemmay be used if audible sounds are used.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a smart-card configurationemulates a wireless telephone system of a type that uses handsets thatcommunicate with base stations. The computers serve as base stations andthe smart-cards serve as headsets. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the smart-card includes a microphone array so that the cardcan detect the mouth location and focus the reception on the speaker, asknown in the art of microphone arrays. Alternatively, dedicated headsets(or handsets) may be provided. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, an office telephone or computer network can serve as a localcellular network for communication, by keeping track which base-stationsare in communication with which handsets and by providing the abilityfor a base station to locate handsets (for example as described herein)and for a handset to change base stations.

Wireless Input for Smart-Card

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the smart includes means forreceiving non-acoustic input. The means may be mounted on thesmart-card, for example a bar-code reader as described with reference toFIG. 3E or it may be a separate input device that communicates with thesmart-card. A simplest example is a wireless bar-code reader that readsbar codes and transmits them acoustically to the smart-card, preferablyusing methods as described herein. Alternatively, the bar-code readingcapability is embodied in the smart-card, so that a multifunction deviceis provided. Alternatively, a miniature device, such a ring, ismanufactured, for convenience or a user. Such a device may be usefulduring purchasing (described herein), to allow a user to review largeand/or personalized information regarding a product. Another example isa magnetic strip reader which transmits read magnetic strips to asmart-card, through the smart-card to a computer, or directly to acomputer. In the case of a magnetic strip reader, a single magneticsensor (or line sensor) on the smart-card or on the input device may besufficient, with the computer processing the detected signals to correctfor non-constant motion of the sensor over the magnetic material.

In one exemplary use, when the smart-card reads a tag, such as a make ofa device, an associated computer switches to a WWW page (possiblyremotely provided) which displays details associated with the readinformation and/or with suitable promotional material. The computer maybe a handheld computer or PDA. Alternatively, the computer is a standingor store-provided computer. Alternatively, the computer is on anotherside of a telephone line, and acoustic signals are transmitted over thetelephone line to the computer, to cause certain speech to betransmitted back. Alternatively or additionally, such tags may be usedfor technical support (e.g., each home device or component has such acode and there is a help file or scripts associated with the code).Alternatively or additionally, such tags may be used for customerrelations, for example to provide information to an interested user. Insome types of products, the computer and/or the tag reader can controlthe product using information read for the tag. An exemplary situationis a computer device, on which a tag reader or a same or second computercan execute a diagnostic program responsive to the read tag.

An exemplary input device consists of an acoustical transmitter, atag-reading element, and some control logic. The type of tag readingelement used depends on the type of tag, for example, if it is opticalor magnetic. The tag itself may include bar codes, other optical codingor even text. In a magnetic example, the tag may comprise magnetic ink.Preferably, but not essentially, the tags are of a type that can beprinted using standard printers and/or inks. Thus, tags can be printedall over a book, magazine or other printed products. Alternatively oradditionally, RF transponder tags as known in the art may be used. Insome embodiments, the read information is deciphered by the smart-card.In other embodiments, partially or completely unanalyzed information istransmitted by the card to the computer for analysis.

Although an acoustic transmission of the tag information is preferredespecially using the same transponders as used by the smart-card forother uses described herein, RF transmission may also be practiced.

Alternatively or additionally, the smart-card may utilize its acoustictransponders to determine the relative position (one- two- orthree-dimensions and/or orientations) and/or distance of an inputdevice. Exemplary input devices include passive sound sources, such as ametal object which makes a sound when striking a surface, piezoelectricmaterials which generate an acoustic wave when activated by RF radiationand active sources, such as a battery powered device, which sends anacoustic signal when pressure is applied to it. These devices may behandheld or they may be worn on a finger as a ring or a thimble.

In an exemplary use, such an input device may be used to control asmart-card or enter information thereto using gestures or by tapping ona virtual keyboard space. In another exemplary use, by providingacoustic devices on a plurality of fingers, some ASL (American SignLanguage) gestures can be inputted into the smart-card. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, the smart-card learns or can bepersonalized to recognize a users particular gestures and/or gesturepatterns, as gesticulation is usually less uniform among users thanhandwriting, which is taught in standardized schools using standardizedtexts.

Use of Card for Arcade Games

In another example of the use of smart-cards, an acoustic smart-card isused to operate arcade games. Such a card may utilize the speaker and/ormicrophone of the game. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, thecard includes information about the user, for example for billing.Alternatively or additionally, the information may include gaminginformation, for example how far in the game the player is or theplayer's level, so the arcade game can be suitably configured.

Variation of Smart-Card Form

In some preferred embodiments of the invention, the smart-cardfunctionality described herein is embodied in a form other than that ofa credit card, for example as a key-fob, a ring, a watch or a pen. Itshould be appreciated that as the card is not required to be insertedinto a reader, many different forms, with a same smart-cardfunctionality, can be implemented.

Alternatively or additionally, the card may have a removable casing, sothat the card can be decorated using bright plastic pieces.Alternatively or additionally, sheet stickers may be provided forsticking on the card for enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Possibly, theadded components are active components, such as LCDs or LEDs, which canbe powered by the card. Preferably, the added components are made sothey do not interfere with data and/or signal input into the card oroutput from the card. Alternatively or additionally, the addedcomponents add functionality or range to the card, such as by providinga more sensitive antenna, a larger battery or a power input.

Emulation of a Smart-Card

As many electronic devices include a speaker and/or a microphone, anacoustic smart-card may communicate with any such device that hassuitable software. Due to the decreasing size of electronics, in somecases, a smart-card may be emulated using a PDA or other electronicmeans (or vice-versa), with regard to both size and functionality.Additionally or alternatively, such smart-card functionality may beexhibited by a cellular telephone or a laptop computer. A benefit of alaptop computer and of a PDA is their convenient user-interface. Abenefit of a cellular telephone is the possibility of real-time and/oroff-line communication with a central location.

An advantage of dedicated smart-card devices (in any physical form), asopposed to multi-function devices that emulate smart cards, is thatdedicated smart cards require less circuitry than general purposedevices (such as PDAs) and, paradoxically, they are simpler to use asthey have fewer functions. This simplicity of use may be enhanced by theavailability of a limited variety of display and input options.

Although the present disclosure has focused on acoustic smart-cards,many of the features described herein may be applied to non-acousticcontact or contact-less smart-cards or to credit cards and/or portableelectronic devices, in accordance with preferred embodiments of theinvention.

This patent application describes different applications and usageideas, beneficial to the user, portal and/or vendor, and whichoptionally utilize novel business models as described herein. Althoughmainly methods are described, the present invention is also directedtowards software for performing these methods and computers programmedwith such software. In addition, a plurality of features are described.Different embodiments of the invention may utilize different selectionsof these features and the following description is not meant to limitthe groupings of features but, rather, to illustrate certain preferredgroupings.

The present invention has been described in terms of preferred,non-limiting embodiments thereof. It should be understood that featuresdescribed with respect to one embodiment may be used with otherembodiments and that not all embodiments of the invention have all ofthe features shown in a particular figure. In particular, the scope ofthe claimed invention is not limited by the preferred embodiments but bythe following claims. In some embodiments only methods have beendescribed, the scope of some embodiments of the invention is intended toencompass also hardware and/or software implementations of thesemethods. Section titles, where they appear, are not to be construed inlimiting subject matter described therein, rather section titles aremeant only as an aid in browsing this specification. When used in thefollowing claims, the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “includes”,“including” or the like mean “including but not limited to”.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method of interfacing a smart card and anelectronic device, said method comprising: providing a smart cardhaving: (a) a magnetic memory strip; (b) an acoustic transductionelement; (c) an acoustic antenna configured to transmit an acousticsignal generated by the acoustic transduction element; and (d) aprocessor configured to use information stored on the magnetic memorystrip and control the acoustic transduction element to generate theacoustic signal; providing the electronic device having at least one ofa microphone and a speaker configured to be used as an input device;converting, by the processor, data stored on the magnetic memory stripto the acoustic signal; transmitting the acoustic signal via theacoustic antenna to the electronic device via a microphone input at theelectronic device; transmitting a signal by the electronic device to aremote server; transmitting programming data by the remote server to theelectronic device; and transmitting the acoustic signal including theprogramming data from the electronic device to a second device.
 2. Themethod according to claim 1 further comprising, before said converting,swiping the smart card at the input device.
 3. The method according toclaim 1, wherein said acoustic signal includes encoded data, said methodfurther comprising: transmitting a signal containing the encoded data bythe electronic device to a remote server; and at least one ofauthenticating a user of the smart card and authorizing use of the smartcard by the remote server.
 4. The method according to claim 1, whereinsaid acoustic signal includes first encoded data, said method furthercomprising: transmitting a signal containing the first encoded data bythe electronic device to a remote server; and transmitting secondencoded data to the electronic device by the remote server; anddownloading the second encoded data to the smart card.
 5. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein said transmitting is performed using oneof a microphone line and the microphone as one of a sonic, ultrasonic,and non-acoustic antenna.
 6. A method of interfacing a smart card and anelectronic device, said method comprising: providing a smart card,wherein the smart card includes: (a) data readable by a magnetic-fieldsensitive sensor, (b) a magnetic field generating unit, and (c) anantenna configured to transmit data from the magnetic field generatingunit to an electronic device; selecting data from the smart card to bemade available to be read; and transmitting magnetic signals read to theelectronic device by the magnetic reader via the antenna.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 6, wherein the magnetic reader is provided on thesmart card.
 8. A method of interfacing a smart card and an electronicdevice, said method comprising: providing the smart card, wherein thesmart card (a) includes data readable by a magnetic reader, (b) is oneof an RF and a magnetic field generating unit configured to transmitdata to the electronic device via one of a read/write head and a cable,and (c) is coupled by the cable to the electronic device, the smart cardincluding an antenna for transmitting data to the cable; selecting by auser specific data from the smart card to be made available to be read;transmitting magnetic signals read to the electronic device by themagnetic reader.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the antennais configured to transmit data by any of: surrounding the cable,piercing the cable, being placed in proximity to the cable, and beingplaced inside a device casing of the cable, thereby allowing fortransmitting data from the smart card to the electronic device.
 10. Themethod according to claim 8, wherein the specific data is transmitteddirectly from the smart card to a second smart card.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 8, wherein the specific data is transmitted from thesmart card to a second smart card via a mediating computer.
 12. A methodof interfacing a smart card and an electronic device, said methodcomprising: providing the smart card, wherein the smart card includesdata readable by a magnetic reader; selecting by a user specific datafrom the smart card to be made available to be read; transmittingmagnetic signals read to the electronic device by the magnetic reader;interfacing at least a second smart card with the electronic device,said method including assigning to the smart card one or more accessingslots corresponding to one of: time division coding slots, and frequencydivision coding slots, to avoid collisions to the smart card.